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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

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

Sitting upright for hours on end can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight or taking the train, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested 24 travel pillows based on traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, and train rides. Our top pick for the best travel pillow overall is Cabeau The Neck's Evolution S3. We love that this pillow folded down into its own, compact carrying case and comes with a washable cover to keep it fresh between trips. We also found the best pillow choices for travelers who like a softer or firmer pillow along with styles that are perfect for middle seats and budget-conscious travelers, too. 

Best Overall

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

The seat strap system keeps the pillow in place and prevents painful neck cramps.

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. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft and cozy, yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted although it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow case 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 good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Portable case | Machine washable

Best Overall, Runner-up

Cushion lab ergonomic travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 4 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that allows travelers to adjust the amount of support needed.

It can have a snug fit.

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow can make your trip much more comfortable, whether in the middle seat of a plane or a car. With an ergonomic design, one side of the pillow is larger than the other to support the chin if your head tilts while sleeping, and the back has a cushion that is contoured to keep the head in an upright position. During testing, the neck pillow provided a comfortable rest for the chin, and we didn’t feel too hot while wearing it. Although the cushion fits snugly around the neck, it didn’t take long to get used to it, and we could nap comfortably during a train and car ride. The buckled strap was easy to adjust, and we liked having the ability to spin the pillow around to use the asymmetrical sides and back to find the most comfortable position for sleeping in the window and middle seats. With a soft, recycled polyester exterior and Cushion Lab’s extra-dense memory foam, the quality of the travel pillow is luxurious and sturdy, and it folds into a small ball to fit inside a carrying bag that can clip onto a backpack or a suitcase.

The Details:  Polyester, Hyperfoam   | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Watch How We Test Travel Products

Best budget, cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4 /5

It molds to the shape of your neck to prevent bobbing.

The cover can't be removed and washed.

The Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow is a no-frills option that offers generous neck support for a budget-friendly price. It is filled with tiny microbeads that quickly mold to the shape of your neck and prevent your head from bobbing around while sleeping. We appreciated its lightweight but sturdy feel, and that there were no signs of damage after using the neck pillow or when clipping it onto a suitcase to transport. Although the cover can’t be removed, we noted that the fabric is easy to touch up with instructions to spot clean the surface as necessary. Cozy and breathable, the travel pillow did a solid job of regulating temperature and keeping the neck warm during cold flights and cool during hot flights.

The Details: Polyester, microbeads | No portable case | Machine washable

Best Splurge

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

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

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

The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort, allowing us to get more rest on a flight 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. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it rolls up to fit in a compact drawstring sack. The pillow holds its shape despite being in the bag for long periods, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and can be machine washed, 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 allowed for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

• Quality 4.5 /5

The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable. 

It’s made of firm memory foam.

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers that get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up as you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. We liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric, and said we didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard. We especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable-feeling carrying case), and the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. This pillow quickly unfolds to its original shape despite being rolled up and going in and out of the compact case as well.

The Details: Memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Best Sustainable

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

• Portability 4 /5

It’s made of recycled and upcycled materials that are comfortable and breathable.

It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.

If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and it compresses down to be easily transported whether you’re flying or camping. The recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. We also loved how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling.

The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | No portable case | Machine washable

Best for Window Seats

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

It’s easy and intuitive to use for resting your chin and head.

It could be more supportive when you’re leaning against a window.

The J-Pillow Chin-supporting Neck Pillow has a J-shape that wraps around the neck to support the chin and the front, back, and one side of the head. Despite the different design than a typical U-shaped travel pillow, it is easy to use and fits securely while sleeping or resting during travels. The pillow comes with a compact case that can be attached to a piece of luggage to make traveling with it effortless. After being folded up in the carrying case for some time, the J-shape didn’t falter, and remained supportive and soft. We think the J-Pillow is ideal for any type of traveler since it's very portable and lightweight.

The Details: Polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

• Durability 4.5 /5

It’s supportive 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 that 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 circular carrying case that can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The holder also has a frontal slip pocket for storing the earplugs and eye mask that are included with the travel pillow. After a trip, the carrying case can be unzipped and machine washed, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Side Support

Cabeau evolution s3 travel pillow.

• Durability 4 /5

This pillow is soft and durable.

The suede-like outer material has a tendency to pick up lint.

This travel pillow was designed to keep your head and neck supported for even the longest of flights. Not only is the semicircular pillow adjustable, so you can get the shape perfect for you, it also features and adjustable seat strap to prevent your head from dropping while you rest. Right out of the box, we loved the high-quality of the memory foam, which makes it supportive and soft, and the cover material feels great against the skin. It gives users a great balance of softness and support. To keep your pillow protected and prevent any risk that it will end up getting dragged across the airport floor, this also comes with a compact carrying case that compresses down to fit into carry-on luggage.

The Details: Polyester, microsuede, memory foam | Portable case | Machine- washable

Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

To protect your hair and skin throughout your travels, a silk pillow is the way to go.

It's 12 x 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 can still be used in bed in a pinch and is perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your carry-on bag. After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it 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

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

While we were able to narrow down the travel pillows for our best list, there were some that almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses noted by our testers. 

Hest Pillow : This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.

Gingerlily Silk Travel Neck Pillow : We love that this pillow is high-quality and made with luxurious material, but it doesn't come with a carrying case, which we think you would need to keep this pillow protected.

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

We sent out 24 travel pillows to our testing experts to use during their upcoming trips. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched popular options to fit a variety of comfort preferences, including pillows made of memory foam and microbeads, and tested different shapes, too. 

On a scale of one to five, our testers rated the pillows based on comfort, quality, durability, and portability. The pillows with the best comfort scores met or exceeded our expectations for special features, including cooling, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer. Our testers used the pillows for several hours at a time, if not longer, to see how comfy they were while sleeping, reading, or watching a movie while traveling. We asked our testers to note if they were able to sleep with the pillow on, if it caused any neck pain or discomfort, and how warm or cool the pillow felt around the neck. To check for quality and durability, our testers examined the build of the pillow to feel how well-made it appeared. After using the pillows during trips, they judged durability based on their functionality after several uses. The pillows with the highest score for portability were able to compress down into carrying bags that allow travelers to transport the pillow with exceptional ease. The best 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. 

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 restricts your breathing and 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 over-pack, a travel pillow that compacts 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 and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station.  

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a more firm 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 more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Generally, washing instructions will be included with the purchase of a travel pillow or on its tag. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our testers opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth or rag dipped into soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that wraps around the neck to support the neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability. Finally, while traditional pillows might be better suited for a traveler in the window seat, 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.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna participated in this real-world product test and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel pillows based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train this summer.

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The 9 Very Best Travel Pillows

“it lets you sleep decently even if you’re in the middle seat.”.

In this article

Best travel pillow overall.

• Best less-expensive
• Best memory-foam
• Best inflatable
• Best for specific seats
• Best for sleeping on the tray table
• Best for traveling with kids

Before I became a travel writer , I thought that travel pillows were simply inflatable, half-donut-shaped options that you buy at the airport for $20. And while those pillows still have their virtues — in a pinch, I’d much rather be with one than without — travel pillows have truly evolved beyond those designs. On the 11 flights I took last year, I put several of those new pillows to the test.

My criteria was simple: I wanted to get a proper rest onboard, and I wanted to be able to pack the pillow into my bag (without eating too much into my carry-on allowance ). The pillows that passed that test came in all shapes and sizes. There were pillows that didn’t look like the classic donut (great for people who never get onboard with the U shape), as well as several that smartly upgraded that donut shape (either with luxurious materials or handily placed headrest straps which meant I didn’t jolt myself awake mid-flight.) I also tested travel pillows designed specifically for which seat I traveled in, from cushy pillows designed to slope against the window, ones for the tray table, and even — when I ended up in the dreaded middle seat — ones that slot over the seatbelt.

Read on for my guide to the best travel pillows I’ve tested. As I only get so much annual leave, I’ve also included recommendations from travel experts who log more miles than I do — as well as chiropractors who explain the science behind them. And once you’ve sorted your travel pillow, make sure to read my guides on the best carry-on luggage and other travel essentials to make your trip as smooth as possible.

What we’re looking for

First, consider the type of travel pillow you’re interested in: U-shaped versions that go around the neck or traditional flat pillows that have been shrunken down for portability are most common. U-shaped pillows are designed to prevent lateral bending in the neck — “it’s that move to sort of pinch the cellphone between [your] shoulder and ear,” says Dr. Carla Fischer , the director of quality and patient safety at NYU Langone Spine Center. That bending to the side she says is the most important thing to prevent, but not everyone sleeps in the same position or has the same concerns, so I’ve included several styles in this story.

Below you’ll find pillows made with memory foam, filled with beads, or just air if they’re inflatable — each of which has its own pros. Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick, founder of Bed Stuy Chiropractic, believes that memory foam is the most “accommodating” when it comes to travel. When I asked her what she meant, she explained that “if you get a medium to medium-firm memory-foam sort of pillow, it accommodates you, but it doesn’t let you dig into it too much.”

When it comes to thickness “the sides should come up to the height of your earlobes,” says Wainani Arnold , founder of the Wainani Wellness Center and in-flight wellness expert for Hawaiian Airlines. “The back of the neck pillow should be flat or only as thick as the distance between the back of your neck to the back of your head (one to two inches). If it is too thick in the back, the pillow will push your neck forward from the chair too much and will potentially dump your head back, which is not ideal for your neck.”

Easy to pack

Between a carry-on and a personal item, both stuffed to the brim, finding room for something as large as a pillow can be cumbersome. The most packable among travel pillows are the inflatable ones. Others filled with memory foam or cotton are a little trickier to deal — but are likely more comfortable. This is a trade-off, depending on how long your flight is. And often, neck pillows often have a snap closure at the front which can easily be used to secure it to the handle of your suitcase.

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: No fill | Thickness: Thin | Easy to pack

This travel neck pillow is not the traditional U-shape; it has no fill and is very thin, but it still takes the top spot on my list. It had the most recommendations from our experts, which is what gave me the confidence to test it out during a 12-hour flight to Seoul. I was a bit perplexed by its appearance initially, but writer Lauren Schwartzberg explained that it achieves the main goal of a neck pillow — which is to prevent lateral bending in the neck — thanks to the plastic brace stowed inside a padded scarf. The brace is only in one part of the pillow, but you can adjust it “so you’ll have to choose which side you prefer nodding off toward,” Schwartzberg explains.

The first time I tested out the Trtl, I was out like a light. The brace’s angle hits just right: There is no sloping so much that your neck bends unnaturally, but it’s supportive enough for you to relax into a decent sleep. Editor at Pack Hacker Lauren Maternowski’s promise that I would be able to “fully lean against the seat’s headrest,” was completely true. Former Strategist staffer Rosie Percy also found that with the adjustable Trtl she was “able to sleep through a flight for the first time in my adult life, touching down feeling refreshed and without a crick in my neck.” And the Points Guy’s travel editor, Madison Blancaflor , told me, “It’s the only way I can survive long-haul flights in economy.” Scott Keyes of Going (formerly known as Scott’s Cheap Flights) also echoes their praise: “What I like about it is its versatility. It lets you sleep decently even if you’re in the middle seat, and this one is small enough to easily tuck into your backpack.”

Thanks to the fact that it helped me sleep so well, even in economy, as well as the fact that it’s easy to pack, I’m firmly naming the Trtl the best travel pillow overall.

Best less-expensive travel pillow

Shape: Neck and lumbar pillow | Fill: Not listed | Thickness: 2 inches | Average packability

If you aren’t exactly sure if you’ll need neck support or lumbar support, a convertible pillow like this might be your best bet. This neck pillow folds up into a square-shaped pillow that can then be used on your lower back or up against a window. It can also be rolled up into the built-in pocket for storage — which is great for saving space, and also shielding the pillow from any germs in the airport. Taryn White of The Trip Wish List also tells me that it has teeny pockets for earbuds, gum, and mints, a big pro if you usually find yourself rummaging around to find your essentials mid-flight. It has a less convenient hook (compared to a strap) to secure it to your luggage, but the snaps that close the front of the pillow provide another option for strapping it on. I couldn’t track down the fill used in this pillow, but the general consensus from reviewers is that it was “firm but not [too] hard for me & my aching neck,” (according to one reviewer on the Bed, Bath & Beyond website.)

Best memory-foam travel neck pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Memory foam | Thickness: 5 inches | Easy to pack

This pillow is an improvement on the half-donut. It’s a U shape, but with slightly raised sides to stop your head from slumping (and supports your jaw to prevent open mouth breathing, says travel blogger Carmen Sognovi .) It’s made from memory foam, and it has a flattened back, which allows it to be flush with the chair. This helps your spine align with the chair, for more comfort (according to Dr. Fitzpatrick). But the best feature is the adjustable strap that fastens the travel pillow to a headrest — which prevents you from flopping forwards once you’re sound asleep. Unfortunately the Cabeau takes up more space than the Trtl, but it is still fairly easy to carry — it comes with a bag that compresses it to half its size, and you can use the bag’s strap to fasten the pillow to your carry-on .

Best inflatable travel neck pillow

The same brand also makes an inflatable version of their travel pillow — and though I generally don’t like inflatable pillows, this one is a good option. It inflates to five inches thick, but is just the size of a soda can when deflated. Just like the memory-foam pillow, this one has a flat back to help keep your neck in line with the seat, and it has a neck strap to keep your head super-stable. “They are a bit higher than most neck pillows and have a special toggle you can connect and tighten so the pillow doesn’t fall off,” says Jennifer Lachs of Digital Nomad Girls . Lachs admits that the memory-foam pillow above is “even more comfortable,” but the inflatable is better if you want to travel light. (Initially I thought that inflatable was synonymous with adjustable — the more air you put in the taller it will be and less air will make it less firm — but Dr. Fischer said it’s a bad idea to not fill up these pillows all the way, as that’s not how they were designed to be used.)

Best inflatable travel lumbar pillow

Shape: Lumbar pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 2 inches | Easy to pack

The Travel Pal is a different type of travel pillow — it’s designed for lumbar (rather than neck) support. As a WFH-er who’s rather particular about ergonomic office chairs , I notice the lack of lumbar support on airport seats whether it’s long- or short-haul flights. “In a proper chair, the lumbar part should actually push out to support that curve in your low back, but they don’t do that on planes because if they did, it would affect their seating, so a lot of them curve in,” says Dr. Jared Hoffman of Williamsburg Chiropractic . His recommended solution is this pillow which inflates to two inches thick, and reduces stress on the joints and discs of your low back by supporting that lower-back curve. Dr. Hoffman not only recommends it to patients, but says “this I have used personally and I think it’s one of the best products I’ve come across.” And as it’s inflatable, it’s super easy to travel with — just deflate and roll into your bag once you disembark.

Best travel pillow for the middle seat

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 3.5 inches | Easy to Pack

On a recent flight to Italy, I chose the dreaded middle seat on purpose to see how well the Travelrest really works. The inflatable pillow is worn like a sash, and it gives you something to loll your head against (apart from the person sitting next to you.)  “I’m obsessed with this hideous inflatable golf club,” says travel writer Teddy Minford, who first told us about the unique travel pillow. “It creates something to lean against, even if you’re in the middle seat.” After testing it, I agree with Minford that the pillow gives you something to rest your head against — and I successfully managed to get a few hours of sleep on my early flight. However, I’m not a middle-seat convert just yet. I still felt myself sloping a little towards the side I was resting on. I was overall impressed with how much the pillow improved the usually uncomfortable experience of middle seating, though, and it was super easy to transport: When deflated, it rolls up to the size of an iPhone.

Best travel pillow for the window seat

Shape: Head and neck pillow | Fill: Polyester filling | Thickness: 3 inches | Average packability

Mercedes Arielle is a window-seat person and says the J-Pillow is best at cradling her head, shoulder, and chin on flights. As someone who favors the window seat myself, I knew I had to try it. It’s almost claw shaped, with a main body that supports the crook of your neck and a cushion extending below the chin to stop your head sliding forward. For Arielle, that three-pronged support is essential “because I rest my head against the window so I can maximize every inch of my window seat.” I particularly liked how the chin cushion didn’t extend too far around the neck (as I mentioned above, the usual doughnut-shaped pillows make me feel as though I’m being choked), and the main body of the pillow opened up in a V-shape so I could really wedge my head inside. The material felt more luxurious than the average travel pillow too — it had a fleecy lining that you can nuzzle down into. Although I love my Trtl, the J-Pillow has become my go-to for train journeys. It’s so cushy that it absorbs the vibrations and rattles that usually keep me awake during a train journey — meaning I can properly snooze. It’s also rather handy: You can compress the pillow to half its size in a carry bag, then use its loops to attach it to your luggage.

Best travel pillow for tray-table sleeping

Shape: Head pillow  | Fill: Polystyrene microbeads | Thickness: Not listed | Not easy to pack

I know that mid-overnight flight, the tray table can begin to look very tempting — but it’s often hard, and all of the vibrations from the airplane can make you feel like there’s a rattling in your brain. To combat that discomfort, Dr. Fitzpatrick told me about this pillow that’s more like a helmet. It covers all sides, including the forehead, so it can be used in a number of situations. There is a hole for your mouth so you can breathe, but otherwise it’s a pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones all in one. Once out of the box, however, there is no indication that this pillow will compress again, meaning it could be cumbersome to travel with.

Best pillow for traveling with kids

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Polyester filling | Thickness: Not listed | Easy to pack

I’ve always wondered how parents can get their little ones to settle on a bustling flight — and writer and mum-of-one Chantel Tattoli told me that this Huzi pillow is her foolproof method. She says it has an an almost mystical effect on her daughter on long flights. “Generally, she seems to accord a magical ‘fairy-ring’ quality to this fluffy circle, as if once she’s thrown it over her, she’s staked some space in which things are pretty good,” she says. The pillow, like an extremely plush scarf, can wrap around your neck or lower back — or even both at the same time — to create a highly customized, optimum sleeping position. For this reason, it’s a great pick for those with scoliosis , too. “Even mild scoliosis can affect your comfortable position in a tight seat,” says Fitzpatrick. “The adjustable lemniscate-type pillows can be good for this.” Wearing it through the airport like a scarf also makes it easy to carry, but if you’d rather throw it in your bag, it rolls up neatly into a little ball.

Some more travel pillows we’ve written about

Our experts

• Mercedes Arielle, fashion and travel blogger at Calculated Opulence • Wainani Arnold, founder of the Wainani Wellness Center and in-flight wellness expert for Hawaiian Airlines • Dr. Carla Fischer, director of quality and patient safety at NYU Langone Spine Center • Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick, founder of Bed-Stuy Chiropractic • Dr. Jared Hoffman, Williamsburg Chiropractic • Scott Keyes, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) • Jennifer Lachs, founder of  Digital Nomad Girls • Kat Lopez, freelance writer • Lauren Maternowski, editor at Pack Hacker • Teddy Minford, travel writer • Rosie Percy, former Strategist associate director of e-commerce-audience-development strategy • Dr. Rebecca Robbins , sleep specialist and Harvard Medical School instructor • Stella Shon, writer at The Points Guy • Carmen Sognovi , travel blogger • Chantel Tattoli , freelance writer • Taryn White, founder of The Trip Wish List

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Home » Gear » travel scarf

The 11 BEST Travel Scarves of 2024 from Someone who Knows

Travel scarves (or travel scarfs , if that’s how you fancy them) keep your money safe, your body warm, your spine aligned, and…  Not convinced? I’m about to show you how for many fashionable backpackers and jet-setters, a good travel scarf has gone from superfluous accessory to travel necessity!

These versatile rectangles of fabric are an incredibly handy piece of kit to have while on the road, whether you’re on a weekend away or on the extended trip of a lifetime. Not only can they protect against the heat, cold, dust, and sweat that travel can involve, the best travel scarves even have a hidden pocket in which to safely store a passport or other valuables.

So what are the best travel scarves on the market? Read on to unwrap our top picks!

Quick Answer: The Best Travel Scarves

Overall best travel scarf, best travel scarf blanket, best travel shawl, best summer travel scarf, best infinity travel pillow, best travel neck warmer, some more of our favorite travel scarves, how to choose the best travel scarf, faq about the best travel scarf.

• Overall best travel scarf – MeiPing Zipper Scarf
• Best travel scarf blanket – HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket
• Best travel shawl – DANA XU 100% Mulberry Pashmina
• Best infinity travel pillow – Trtl Pillow
• Best travel neck warmer – Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf

Zipper Infinity Scarf

• > Fashionable
• > Well-sized hidden pocket

HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket

• > Multipurpose
• > Eco-friendly

DANA XU 100% Mulberry Extra Large Silk Pashmina

• Price > $$$
• > Extraordinarily versatile
• > 100% silk

Trtl Pillow

• > Adult and child versions
• > Brilliant neck and head support

Elzama Travel Neck Wrap

• > Very lightweight
• > Looped infinity design

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MeiPing Zipper Scarf

The MeiPing Zipper Scarf hits the top spot for us for a number of reasons. First off, the Infinity Scarf is a very stylish number! Available in three colors – a zigzag blue stripe, similar purple stripe, and plain black – it really doesn’t look out of place as a fashion accessory, whether you’re a guy or a gal. What’s more, there’s a brilliantly hidden zipper pocket, large enough for a passport and smartphone.

The natural folds of the fabric make the pocket invisible and anything you slip inside won’t look bulky or obvious at all. Isn’t a travel scarf a super awesome way to hide money when traveling? Then there’s its very attractive price point, which means getting hold of a MeiPing Zipper Scarf isn’t going to break the bank or affect your vacation plans!

• Fashionable
• Well-sized hidden pocket
• Right now only 2 styles, 3 colors to choose between
• A little light for brutal winter
• Designed for women (but good for men too!)
• Not water resistant

Is the MeiPing Zipper Scarf for me?

As travel scarves go, it’s difficult to see any great fault in this MeiPing Zipper Scarf! It’s got a very cool look and an all-important hidden passport pocket which has a zipper closure for extra security. This is an excellent option if a money belt wouldn’t feel natural with your wardrobe. It’s also well-priced and as always, supports various charitable organizations with each sale.

It may not come with a hidden pocket like the Elzama Infinity Scarf does, but boy is the HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket versatile all the same! An ideal addition to anyone who likes to travel light, and wants to stuff their sack with multipurpose items, you can use this HappyLuxe product as a traditional next scarf, a shawl for when the temperature drops a little at night, AND a blanket for flights and train journeys. It’s produced from high-quality eco-friendly micromodal fabric that makes it incredibly soft to the touch, and very lightweight, so you won’t have any problem with carrying it around with you every day. It also comes in a huge range of colors, for all styles!

• Multipurpose
• Eco-friendly
• Soft to the touch
• Good range of colors
• No hidden passport pocket
• Must be washed on cold cycle
• Designed for women
• A little costly

Is the HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket for me?

If you’re searching for a multipurpose travel scarf, things don’t get much better than the HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket – able to convert from scarf, to shawl, to blanket, and back again. Ecologically-minded, super-soft, and lightweight too, this will answer the prayers of many a traveler, that’s for certain!

Travel shawl doesn’t quite describe the Multi-use travel pashmina by DANA, which is less a travel shawl and more an entire travel wardrobe! Ideal for warmer destinations where lighter clothing is the order of the day, this travel shawl easily converts into a dress, scarf, wrap or sarong. Made from 100% silk, it’s easy to keep clean and super soft, light and comfortable.

• Extraordinarily versatile
• Different colours and designs available
• Too lightweight for colder weather
• No hidden pocket for valuables
• Quite pricey

Is the DANA XU travel shawl for me?

Though it doesn’t have the hidden pocket some will now expect from a travel scarf or shawl, it converts into many different looks, which is perfect for travel when you don’t want to be dragging about as many different outfits! If you’re looking for style and substance in one, this is the perfect option.

Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf

Travel scarves definitely aren’t just for winter, and certainly, aren’t just a means of having valuables safely about your person either! A good travel scarf, such as the Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf, can really enhance your summer look. Handmade in Illinois, this beautiful mustard colored travel scarf is decorated with half and crescent moons in white, making it a great accessory for all manner of colors and styles. It also incorporates a hidden passport pocket that hangs well and discreetly even when loaded up with your valuables and is 96% cotton – perfect for keeping your skin cool in higher temperatures. The remaining 4% is elastane, giving the scarf a little bit of give.

• Great for accessorizing
• Handmade in Illinois
• Highest quality
• Hidden passport pocket
• Must be washed on delicate cycles
• Only one color/style available
• Intended for women only
• Wraps just twice around the neck

Is the Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf for me?

Neatly balancing the need for somewhere to store your valuables while on the move, and the need to look great when traveling too, the Pierron + Co Half Moon Infinity Scarf is a wonderful option. Its cotton construction keeps you cool while protecting your skin from the heat and sun, safe in the knowledge your passport, smartphone, or other valuables are hidden from view!

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Available for both adults and children thanks to a dedicated child-friendly size, the Trtl Pillow has rightly been getting rave reviews for some time now. Taking the idea of a travel scarf to new heights, the Trtl Pillow is a soft, scarf-like construction that wraps around your neck to keep your head up while sleeping on trains, planes, and other forms of transport. It manages to support your head, preventing a cricked neck, because of a cleverly hidden internal support, which is the only thing that limits its packability. However, it can also be hung from your bag without issue, weighs just half a pound, and is machine washable too. How good’s that!

• Adult and child versions
• Brilliant neck and head support
• Weighs just half a pound
• Machine washable
• Internal support limits packability slightly
• Not for use as a travel scarf
• A little warm for some people
• No valuables pocket

Is the Trtl Pillow for me?

Anyone who has ever struggled to sleep while traveling, or indeed has nodded off only to get a sore neck as a result, will appreciate the cunning new design of the Trtl Pillow, which is not only compact and lightweight, but also supportive, and very easy to use!

Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf

The Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf is, like all the best travel scarves, lightweight, so won’t feel like a burden either when you’re wearing it, or when you’re carrying it! It’s also incredibly soft to the touch and durable thanks to its polyester construction and cosy plaid design. As a looped infinity scarf, it’s very difficult for anyone to snatch from around your neck, making the hidden passport pocket all the more secure a place to hide your valuables while enjoying the sights your destination has to offer. It has a great price too, and though the advertising suggests this is one for the ladies, we reckon it wouldn’t look out of place on the shoulders of a fashionable dude either!

• Very lightweight
• Looped infinity design
• Designed primarily with women in mind
• Loop design might mess up carefully made hair
• Not enough protection for winter breaks
• So good you’ll want more than one!

Is the Stylesilove Winter Plaid Infinity Scarf for me?

Stylishly produced with an attractive plaid knit, this Travel Neck Wrap from Stylesilove is another good addition to the travel scarf family. Lightweight and well-priced to boot, it not only provides protection against chill winds and the hot sun, but also has a zippered hidden pocket where you can keep your passport and other valuables safe.

Waypoint Goods travel scarf

Coming in a huge range of fabulous designs, from the Breton stripe to bold blocks of contrasting colors, the Waypoint Goods travel scarf is, however, more than just a pretty face (as it were)! Clearly made with an attention to quality and detail, this travel scarf is made is durable yet soft fabrics, with a zippered hidden pocket measured to ensure the fit of a passport and smartphone the size of the latest iPhones. Constructed as a loose infinity loop scarf, the Waypoint Goods travel scarf is difficult to snatch, leaving your hands free for the delights of your vacation destination.

• Lots of brilliant designs to choose from
• High quality
• Large zippered hidden pocket
• Loose infinity loop design
• Infinity loop design means it can’t be unwound
• Too many colors to opt for
• Best for spring/summer

Is the Waypoint Goods travel scarf for me?

The Waypoint Goods travel scarf does exactly what you would expect a travel scarf to do. Its infinity loop design makes it difficult for thieves to snatch, while the zippered hidden pocket is specifically designed to fit passports and larger smartphones. Finally, more than being simply utilitarian, it comes in a wide range of fantastic designs!

Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf

Sharing many of the design features of the Waypoint Goods travel scarf, but at a slightly lower price point for all the budget travelers out there, the Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf should not be overlooked. Made from a mix of polyester and bamboo, giving it a sustainability edge some other travel scarves cannot match, it remains soft to the touch so there’s absolutely no risk of chaffing to the neck. The zippered hidden pocket is very subtle and well hidden, and the scarf hangs well even with the pocket loaded up with a smartphone, so it’s definitely not obvious you’ve got valuables to hand!

• Excellent price
• Sustainable
• Zippered hidden pocket
• Imported to the US
• Hand washing best
• Not for winter climes
• Infinity loop design

Is the Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf for me?

Clearly the Genovega USAstyle Infinity Scarf is a pretty awesome travel scarf or it wouldn’t appear on our list of the top scarves on the market! What do we like about the Genovega USAstyle? For one thing, it’s very competitively priced, for another it has some eco-friendly credentials from the use of bamboo, in addition to its helpful hidden zippered valuables pocket.

Sealen Travel Scarf

While most of the travel scarves we’ve found are made from lighter materials intended for use over the warmer months of the year, the Sealen Travel Scarf is one of just a handful made from weightier materials specifically designed to keep you warm in the winter months. It is made with 100% cotton, making the infinity loop design breathable despite its extra warmth, but is still surprisingly lightweight despite this additional thickness. Needless to say perhaps, there’s also a hidden valuables pocket hidden within the looping structure, so even during the colder months, you don’t have to head out with a bag if you want to go light.

• Made for winter
• 100% cotton
• Hidden valuables pocket
• A little heavy for summer use
• Cannot be machine washed
• Limited color choices

Is the Sealen Travel Scarf for me?

Need a little more warmth than the standard travel scarves? Then the Sealen Travel Scarf is the travel scarf for you! Even though it’s constructed from thicker fabric, 100% cotton means it remains breathable, and pretty lightweight too. While its color range is limited to just five options at present, its overall design more than makes up for it!

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You’ve decided on a travel scarf as a way of keeping your valuables safe without the need for a bag or money belt – great! But how do you know which of the many travel scarves now on the market is the best one for you?

Destination

A good place to start is to think about when and where you plan to use your newly purchased travel scarf. If, like most, you’re aim is to use the travel scarf as a spring/summer accessory, providing a little protection from the sun and evening chills, then you’ll want to opt for one of the lighter styles. The great news here is that the majority of travel scarves fall into this bracket. If you’re heading to cooler climes during the winter, you’ll probably be looking for a travel scarf with a heavier fabric.

Then think about your own personal style. If you end up picking a travel scarf that doesn’t match your personality or go with the majority of your clothes, you’re likely to leave it unused at home! Worse still, you might carry it around the world with you, but never want to put it on! This is possibly more important for male travelers, as many travel scarves appear to be aimed at the women’s market, and some can seem a little feminine for some tastes (both male and female). If this is you – keep an eye out for unisex options!

Remember also to think carefully about what exactly you want your travel scarf for. Is it to use as a shawl or wrap if it gets chilly, as a sleep aid on flights and other forms of transport, or as a hands-free means of keeping valuables close at hand? Your thoughts on this question will help you narrow your search, while knowing exactly what you plan to store in the hidden pocket (if that’s the sort of travel scarf you’re after) will ensure you also end up purchasing one that fits everything in!

Finally, there’s pricing. Everyone has a budget, and as you’ll see from our lowdown of the best travel scarves there are a wide range of price tags associated with this accessory. That, of course, means that there’s probably a travel scarf out there that will meet your budgetary requirements, whether you’re a hard-up vagabond, or someone looking for extras (such as RFID protection), or someone who doesn’t mind splashing the cash for the perfect travel scarf for you!

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best travel scarf with a hidden pocket?

We love the Elzama for it’s sleek design, super soft material and a hidden pocket that fits your passport and phone.

Why do I need a travel scarf?

A travel scarf is a great way to keep your valuables safe. You can hide your passport, phone, cash and other small things in a tiny pocket without anyone knowing.

Which travel scarf offers the best protection?

The Ready+Steady RFID Travel Infinity Scarf is made from cut-proof material which keeps your hidden valuables safe.

What is the warmest travel scarf?

The HappyLuxe Travel Wrap and Blanket is the best way to stay warm during your travels. You can wrap it around your neck or your body! Another warm option is the Elzama Travel Neck Wrap .

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Final Thoughts

That’s about it for my review of the best travel scarves available right now!

Not just for winter, not just for women, and not just for the backpacker set, travel scarves are a really useful, lightweight accessory for anyone’s travels. Check out the very best travel scarves of here and now with our detailed reviews!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Clair Cathryn

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The Best Travel Pillow

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

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

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.

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.

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 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.)

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.

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 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.

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 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 Ultimate’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 Ultimate 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.

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.

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 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 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, which we talk more about below .

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 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 Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution. 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 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 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 Ultimate or 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, and it is pricy.

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 and the Travelrest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive—now about $20 more than the Travelrest.

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 nearly twice as much.

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 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

Sabrina Imbler

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

Further reading

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow: A First-Class Sleep Experience in Economy

by Dorie Chevlen

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

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

by Elissa Sanci

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.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The 31 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech and Dorie Chevlen

Here we present practical and whimsical finds to delight any intrepid traveler.

The Best Travel Pillows for Long-Haul Flights

By Lauren Burvill

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 (wrongly) 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 recently. 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.

How we choose 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 top picks:

• Best overall travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow
• Best budget buy: Dot & Dot Twist memory foam travel pillow

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

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

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

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Feel comfy and supported whether you're sitting in a window, middle or aisle seat.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Neck Pillow

Cabeau evolution s3.

Best Value Travel Pillow

Cabeau evolution classic.

Best Organic Travel Pillow

Avocado organic toddler pillow.

Best Lightweight Travel Pillow

Trtl travel pillow.

Best Light-Blocking Travel Pillow

Ostrich original travel pillow.

Best Travel Pillow for Hotels

Honeydew scrumptious side pillow.

Best Travel Pillow for Kids

Bcozzy kids travel pillow.

Most Compact Travel Pillow

Tuft & needle anywhere travel pillow.

Most Versatile Travel Pillow

Bcozzy neck pillow for travel.

Most Innovative Travel Pillow

J-pillow travel pillow.

Depending on the airline and type of flight, you may be given a travel pillow. But these aren't always the best pillows to rest your head on while you close your eyes. If you are a frequent traveler, investing in your own travel pillow may be worth it, especially for flights when you are in the middle or aisle. That said, shopping for a new pillow isn't always the easiest, which is why we've rounded up the best pillows for travel , including organic pillows , neck pillows and budget-friendly options, based on extensive research and our own expert testing in the Good Housekeeping Institute .

After browsing our recommendations, we suggest checking out our favorite travel gear on Amazon and consulting our guide to washing pillows , just in case you spill your coffee or juice mid-flight.

This isn't your typical travel neck pillow, as its memory foam fill holds its shape better than similar neck pillow styles.

Our pros found that the pillow really does keep your neck from tilting too far to the side. You can attach the adjustable straps to any headrest, whether it's on an airplane or in the car. We appreciate its more substantial size compared to other options on the market, although this means it's a bit bulkier.

However, it comes with a travel bag the manufacturer claims compresses the pillow down to half its size. Plus, you can attach the bag to your suitcase so you can save room for souvenirs. Although this is our top-rated pick for a travel neck pillow, it isn't the most versatile.

Fill material: Memory foam | Machine washable cover: Yes | Features: Adjustable straps; travel bag

For a less expensive option also by popular brand Cabeau, try its Evolution Classic for under $30. Similar to the S3, this model has a memory foam fill — but doesn't have straps for attaching it to a headrest.

Adjustable front clasps, however, lend support to the head and neck. You'll appreciate the machine washable cover for quick cleaning, and a hidden storage compartment for earbuds or earplugs . The pillow has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and over 1.9k online customer reviews praising how comfortable it is. Some comment they have bought it for other frequent travelers in their lives.

A few reviews note that the pillow can be too big depending on how tall you are. Still, for the price and support provided, it's a winner.

Fill materials: Memory foam, polyester, cotton | Machine washable cover: Yes | Features: Adjustable front clasps; hidden storage compartment

You may be surprised to learn that a toddler-sized pillow is typically the same size as a travel one. We tested Avocado's Toddler Pillow which is the same as their travel pillow. Avocado uses organic and high quality materials, which is one reason we love the brand and have included its Green Mattress in a roundup of the best organic mattresses .

Like its popular mattress, Avocado's travel pillow is GOTS certified organic . It's also made with latex rather than memory foam, a synthetic material often used in travel pillows. Latex is made from natural resources and tends to be more resilient than foam. The fill is a blend of latex and kapok fiber, a natural material that has a silky feel.

Bedding expert Lexie Sachs , the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, says this pillow is indeed super comfy, and an almost perfect five-star rating online suggests customers agree. Numerous reviews note the high quality; one customer writes, "this pillow is really nice, soft, comfortable and the perfect size for using as an extra pillow for legs or whatever is needed."

Fill material: Latex, kapok fiber | Machine washable cover: Yes | Features: GOTS certified organic material

The design of this travel pillow may give infinity scarf vibes, but its unique design is meant for neck support. Available in four colors and weighing the same as an apple , according to the brand, this pillow is made from soft fleece and has an internal support system that helps keep your head and neck in an upright position.

We appreciate how lightweight it is, as you can easily pack it in your carry-on luggage . To wash, simply remove the support system and toss the wrap in the wash — no need to remove the cover first like some u-shaped travel pillows.

It has over 32K Amazon reviews, including one customer writing they used it on a recent 22-hour flight and were able to fall asleep for the first time sitting up. They add that while the fleece material keeps you warm in oftentimes cold flights, it may be too warm for those who run hot.

Fill material: N/A | Machine washable: Yes | Features: Soft fleece material

What sets this pillow apart from others is its light-blocking capability that proved to be effective in our testing . Its design may look kind of silly at a first glance, but the full-head structure with a mouth opening is meant to reduce ambient light and sound while letting you breath easy.

There are openings for your hands to rest on top of your head when leaning over. The pillow creates a cozy cocoon you can escape to whether you are at the office or on the plane in a middle seat. A caveat is the manufacturer recommends you spot clean the pillow with mild soap and water and then dry thoroughly, rather than tossing it in the washer and dryer.

It definitely has a strange design, but hundreds of online reviews say it does what it is meant to do. One happy reviewer writes, "I love pillows, and this does fall into that category. Although it's a bit awkward, it is very soft. For long car rides it would be a very good choice."

Fill material: Microbeads | Machine washable: No | Features: Blocks light; openings for hands

A GH Family Travel Awards winner in 2023, our testers raved about this pick, and even continued using the pillow after their travels.

It's substantial in size while still being compact enough to take on a trip, and comes with its own storage bag and pillowcase. The fill is a memory foam blend that is not only comfortable but also helps the pillow keep its shape.

Its curved shape maintains proper alignment while you snooze. It does come at a higher price but Sachs says that she uses her pillow at home too, not just while traveling, meaning the splurge may be worth it if you travel often for work and find hotel pillows to be uncomfortable.

Fill material: Memory foam blend | Machine washable cover: Yes| Features: Storage bag and pillowcase; curved shape

If you have one or more little ones traveling with you, then you may be looking for a kid-friendly travel pillow to help them nap better on long car rides or flights.

This popular pillow by Bcozzy has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and is available in five colors with adorable travel bags in the shape of animals. You can adjust the pillow using the velcro strips that attach to the overlapping arms, which combined with a flat back help keep your kid's head from falling forward.

Sachs owns these cute pillows for her kids and confirms they stay in place well and roll up nice and easy to fit inside the carrying kit. "We used them on a long road trip and bring them whenever we have a long car ride. They love them!" she notes. You can also machine wash this pillow, which is great for any spills in the car. The drawback? It's pricier than some of our travel pillow picks for adults.

Fill material: Polyester | Machine washable: Yes | Features: Animal-themed travel bag; adjustable Velcro arms

Tuft & Needle Anywhere Travel Pillow

Limited on space? Try this travel pillow by popular bedding brand Tuft & Needle. We've included the brand's Original Mattress in our roundup of best mattresses and GH editors who have brought this pillow on long-haul flights say it's a game changer.

It's made from the brand's adaptive foam, which is designed to be breathable. It comes with a pack you can stuff the pillow into — making the pillow even more compact. Its versatile shape lends itself to a variety of uses including long trips or even camping. There is also a metal carabiner for attaching it to your bag or suitcase.

Sachs adds that this pillow is a solid choice for adding some cushion between your neck and shoulder when snoozing or even using it as something to lean on up against a car window.

Fill material: Foam | Machine washable cover: Yes | Features: Stuff sack and carabiner; breathable

When you think of travel pillows, something like this classic U-shaped pillow may come to mind. This popular pick has over 27K Amazon reviews, with one customer saying they bought the pillow for a long flight but found it also helped with their sleeping at home: "My neck is supported and my head is propped in just the right position to sleep comfortably."

The pillow has a multi-purpose design for all sleeping positions. You can position the arms of the pillow to support your head whether it tends to fall forward or sideways. The soft fleece material makes it cozy to snuggle with and the pillow comes with a travel case for easy storage.

Fill material: Polyester | Machine washable cover: Yes | Features: Front and side positions; soft fleece material

J-Pillow's travel pillow features an innovative, patented three-way design that supports your head, neck and chin. You tuck the "trunk" of the pillow under your chin and then lean back into the pillow for a restful sleep. Even if you're buying it for a long flight, you can continue using it while relaxing on your sofa at home to lend support to your head and neck as you nap or read.

It also comes with a travel bag for easy transport and has a snap loop so you can hang it on a hook when not in use. You can pop this pillow into the washer and dryer for easy cleaning post-traveling.

One five-star reviewer says, "I love this travel pillow; it's very soft and very good for sitting next to window side of the airplane." Its unique design and setup does require some getting used to though.

Fill material: Foam | Machine washable: Yes | Features: Three-way design; snap loop

How we chose the best travel pillows

In the Good Housekeeping Institute, our textiles experts test every kind of pillow, from the best cooling , down alternative , latex and buckwheat pillows to the best pillows for side sleepers and back sleepers . We also test useful travel gear and accessories from luggage brands to packing cubes .

When looking at travel pillows, we consider comfort and support, as well as ease of use from carrying to cleaning. We also consider durability and performance of materials, as well as packability and price. For this roundup we relied on tester and expert feedback as well as insights from online customer reviews and ratings.

What to look for when shopping for travel pillows

If you are looking for a travel pillow for your next trip, here are some things to consider:

✔️ Shape: U-shaped neck pillows are great for airplanes as they can stay put while you're sitting up in a middle or aisle seat. Small rectangle pillows are good for car rides as you can lean them against a window. You can also use a rectangular travel pillow at your final destination, whether that's a hotel room or camp site, and even at home after your trip. There are also unique shapes, like the Ostrich travel pillow that covers your eyes, or super compact pillows. Note: Travel-size pillows are the same as toddler-size pillows.

✔️ Fill: Foam keeps its shape under pressure, which is why it's a popular material for neck travel pillows. Other travel pillows will have a fiberfill or blend that makes them feel more similar to a regular pillow.

✔️ Portability: Almost all of our picks come with a travel case for easy packing. Sometimes the carrying bag will even compress the pillow down to a smaller size so you'll have more room in your suitcase. A bag will also protect the pillow and keep it clean when not in use. Other pillows will be super lightweight or have a clip.

✔️ Cleaning: Some pillows on this list are entirely machine washable, meaning you can toss the whole pillow in your washing machine . Others have machine washable covers or require you to remove a part of the pillow before washing. However, some can only be spot-cleaned. Since you are bringing your pillow on-the-go and it will be exposed to different germs, it's important to keep it clean.

✔️ Price: Our testing and research suggests you can find a great travel pillow for around $50, with some less expensive options that are just as good. There are also splurge-worthy travel pillows that can ring in at over $100.

Are travel pillows worth it?

Yes , especially if you are an avid traveler or find it hard to get comfortable on the plane. While there are some more expensive pillows on the market, there are also budget-friendly options that can improve your travel experience.

Even though airline pillows are free, they are not always the most comfortable. Plus, if you take the train to work or often go on road trips with the family (where pillows aren't handed out), buying a travel pillow will quickly pay off.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the updates editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she ensures our product reviews reflect accurate pricing, information and product details. She is an avid traveler who is known to pop on under eye patches halfway through her flight and values comfort when it comes to traveling near and far.

To write this guide, she collaborated with Lexie Sachs , the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the GH Institute, where she leads research and testing of fabric-based products. Lexie always has her eye on new travel gear and is a huge fan of her Honeydew pillow.

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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The best travel pillows for taking on a long flight

By Lauren Burvill and Charley Ward

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flyer and a rookie – the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flyer, hanging from a backpack or being worn 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 realise 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 recently. Specialised brands like  trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while neck 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.

The best travel pillow to buy in 2023 at a glance

• Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow and Travelrest pillow
• Best for price: Ecosafeter portable travel pillow
• Best lie flat pillow: Mini Snoooze travel pillow

How we tested the best travel pillows

Every travel neck pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed in our office by our editors Charley Ward and Lauren Burvill . Each pillow is then passed on to a member of the wider team to take with them on a flight to further test when travelling. When testing, we look for quality, design features and value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

What are the different types of travel pillow?

There’s a variety of shapes on offer, so think about your personal needs and preferences before making your choice. The main kinds are:

• Memory foam travel pillows. These mould to your body in a way that’s far superior to the traditional beanbag styles on offer at the airport. Cabeau Evolution and Kierain do these very well, and Ecosafeter’s version also has a slight hump at the back to help relax your spine.
• Body slings. These styles are great for side sleepers, offering full upper body support that you can lean against while you drift off. Travelrest’s inflatable travel pillow is our favourite, which can be worn cross-body or to your side to create a firmer separation between yourself and your neighbour. Dot & Dot does a similar version that can be twisted however suits, so you can use it around your neck, shoulders or even tucked below your lower back, helping to ease whichever area is most achey.
• Wraparound neck pillows. These twist around the neck like a scarf, offering double the support of U-shaped designs. They also tend to be cosier as a result. Bcozzy’s has a flat back, to help you keep a better posture, while Huzi’s infinity neck pillow is comfy, soft and scrunchy, allowing you to bunch it up where it suits best.
• Neck supports. Travel brand Trtl has been upping the ante lately. The brand's signature fleecy wraparound scarf cleverly hides an internal neck and chin support structure that keeps your neck in the optimum upright sleeping position, even in the middle seat or aisle seat. There’s now an adjustable version, as well, providing extra support for those on the taller side. They come with a carry bag that attaches to your rucksack.
• Mini classic pillows . Perfect for adding a bit more comfort when sitting in first or business class seats – and when in your hotel room too. Snoooze does our favourite, which is 100% machine washable and rolls up into a carry bag just 30 by 11cm, so it’ll tuck nicely in your hand luggage when not in use.

See below for our full take on each of the best travel neck pillows available to buy now.

Cabeau Evolution's S3 travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for a basic does-the-job travel pillow, the one below from Kierain is the ideal buy. But if you're looking for a step above in terms of design and comfort, or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's 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 though are the velcro straps at 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 like it:  “I tested this pillow when I flew to Mexico City. The foam in it 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 luggage , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." Sarah Allard, digital editor

Kierain’s travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall value

Kierain has one of the top-rated and best selling  travel pillows on Amazon , and it’s easy to see why. A step above the standard microbead styles, this travel pillow is 100 per cent memory foam with a soft velour cover, plus has an easy-to-use snap closure, making it simple to secure and stay in place.

Why we like it:  “The bag it comes in is surprisingly small (about the size of a small wash bag), so it hardly takes up any room in your  carry on luggage , which is a real plus. The best part though is the plush and squidgy memory foam. I often find the traditional neck pillows too stiff and constricting, but this one was soft while still giving good support.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

trtl's original 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 148 grams. 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 like it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortable on, so I was keen to try this style when I flew to Vancouver. 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

Trtl Travel Pillow Plus

Best travel pillow for: customised support for your exact requirements

John O'Ceallaigh

Charley Ward

Olivia Morelli

Condé Nast Traveller

Trtl has revamped its clever wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate people of all heights more comfortably. The latest iteration is adjustable, to better suit your particular requirements, and the pillow section itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s offering is a lot smaller than standard U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 225 grams, so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack .

Why we like it: “I tried both the original and the revamped Trtl pillows on a flight to Japan, and this one definitely proved a more comfortable fit. It does take a bit of fiddling to get it to sit properly, and the fleece wrap is certainly cosy – even a bit too warm at points. Reviews are mixed online, but I think it’s worth taking the time to adjust it correctly as, once I did, it made for a far more comfortable experience than using standard U-shaped neck pillows. For long haul flights in coach, it’s certainly worth a try; I had no neck pain at all when I finally disembarked from the plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Travelrest pillow

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever across-body-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

Our verdict:  “This pillow came in handy on a flight to Australia. I really love the shape of this style, 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, commerce editor

Dot&Dot’s twist travel pillow

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 like 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.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best travel pillow for: ergonomic design with a luxurious feel

Ostrichpillow has a number of interesting travel pillows (are you brave enough to try this napping aid ?), including a genius padded headband -come-eye mask that makes quickly grabbing some shut-eye while leaning against the window actually comfortable. The Go pillow, however, is the brand’s most traditional offering. It has a memory foam core with a velcro closure to ensure a snug fit, no matter the shape or size of your neck. It compresses down impressively small when stored in the included drawstring travel bag, making it easy to bring along in even the smallest cases. It has a removable and washable cover as well.

Why we like it: “It’s really, really soft, and satisfyingly squishy at the same time; the memory foam filling is clearly high-quality. In fact, out of all the travel pillows I’ve tried, this one feels the most luxurious when in use. It kept my neck at a good angle to avoid aches and pains – it was surprisingly supportive, in fact. It’s easy to adjust and I like that the cover can be slung straight in the washing machine, so it’s ready to go for your next trip.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Ecosafeter’s portable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: price

The Ecosafeter travel pillow is a memory foam style with a slight “hump” shape that’s designed to help relax the Cervical spine. The design is particularly great for sleeping upright, especially if you suffer from back or neck pain, with added neck support as well as a soft and flexible feel.

Why we like it:  “I find it super difficult to sleep upright, which is why I loved the high back and firm cushioned support on this pillow. I took it with me on an overbooked flight with a 2am takeoff and did manage to get some sleep, admittedly in and out, but that’s better than my usual long haul wide-eyed experience.” Sophie Knight, visuals editor

BCozzy's neck 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 like 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 feeling too suffocating." Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Huzi infinity pillow

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.

Our verdict:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cosy 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.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Snoooze travel pillow

Best travel pillow for:  lying flat

One for not just the plane but also the hotel, this flat pillow from Snoooze is particularly suited to business or first class passengers flying in a flatbed. Danish designer Ann Sjogreen Sanger worked with scientists, sleep experts and leading UK manufacturers to create the two travel pillows – a full size and mini option. Both are machine washable, come with a soft 100 per cent cotton pillow case and roll up into compact travel bags – the mini fits into a cylindrical bag that’s 30cm by 11cm.

Why we like it:  “This pillow feels surprisingly full and thick compared to how compact it can be stored. I always struggle with hotel pillows (they’re often too big and fluffy), but the Snoooze feels firm yet squidgy and helped me get proper deep sleep during a hotel stay in Greece recently. I tested the full size, but think the mini can do the same job if you’re short on carry-on space or would prefer to use a flat pillow to get some sleep in economy.”

Lifeventure inflatable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: space-saving

You won’t find any bells and whistles with Lifeventure’s inflatable travel pillow, but at £12.99, the price is hard to beat for your standard u-shaped travel pillow. It packs down into a remarkably bijou carrying case and weighs in at just 54 grams. A dual valve makes it easy to blow up very quickly – I inflated it by mouth in two minutes.

Why we like it: “I wasn’t convinced by the idea of an inflatable polyester travel pillow, especially not in comparison to some of the super-soft memory foam numbers I’ve tried (Ostrichpillow cinches it for me in the cosiness stakes). However, I was pleasantly surprised on test. The material is clearly good quality and it provides decent enough neck support when fully inflated. But really, the main plus point of this pillow is how compact and lightweight it is when deflated. It folds down smaller than your average purse. If you have back or neck issues, avoid this one. But if you’re off backpacking, or space in your bag is an especially hot commodity, then this pillow is the one to buy.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Slip travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: fashionistas

Beauty aficionados will know that silk pillowcases are superior to cotton offerings for those seeking smoother, sleeker hair – studies have shown that its slippery, friction-free surface helps to both tackle frizz and reduce stress on delicate facial skin while you slumber. So why compromise when you’re on a plane? Luxury silk pillowcase brand Slip has used the same 22 momme long fibre mulberry silk for its travel pillow as it does its regular cases, along with a super-dense foam inner that secures around the neck with an adjustable strap for 360-degree support. It’s available to purchase separately or as a set with a matching silk eye mask for an extra cost (currently on sale ).

Why we like it:  “This is another unusual option – its vivacious appearance generated some comments in the office upon unboxing. It’s not one for wallflowers; it’s very colourful and one of the largest pillows (if not the largest) we’ve ever seen. Nobody’s going to miss you while you’re wearing it – and if you’re especially petite, it likely won’t suit. Nonetheless, the silky finish feels both luxurious and cooling when around the neck, which doesn’t go amiss on a stuffy aeroplane. The traditional U shape doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but for those seeking a little luxury on long haul flights, this is a welcome treat. Be warned: this pillow isn’t going to squeeze into your suitcase, so bear that in mind, but it gives a high level of support and keeps your neck upright, so a good choice if this is the most comfortable position for you on a plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Snugl travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: versatility

Snugl’s well-designed and thoughtful memory foam travel pillow is available in three sizes to ensure you get the best fit (taking a different approach to Trtl, with its adjustable number above). It’s made from quality, hypoallergenic memory foam with a removable washable cover. There are a selection of colours to choose from, and there’s a carabiner clip to attach the travel bag to your suitcase.

Why we like it: “Don’t be fooled by the chunky appearance – this Snugl pillow packs down into an impressively small bag. It toes the line well between portability and being robust enough to ensure a lack of neck ache when you disembark the plane; this really impressed. But what we like the most is how adjustable it is. There are two straps to secure it around your neck to your preferred tightness, and it’s been created to comfortably sit around your neck in either a conventional, reversed, forward facing or shoulder-facing arrangement to accommodate your sleeping style – a real plus for me as a side-sleeper.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

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5 Best Travel Pillows for 2024

Last Updated on February 8, 2024

Written by Julia Forbes

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

Our testing process.

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process .

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} In This Article

To ensure an exceptional travel experience, it’s essential to have the finest travel pillow. Discover the top 5 products to enhance your journey.

Travel opens up new horizons and shows you the beauties of the world, but the process itself can be quite stressful and uncomfortable. This is especially true if you’re stuck on a plane for six to eight hours. However, sleeping can help pass the time on a long journey. 

Of course, sleeping upright on a plane isn’t ideal—but bringing along a great travel pillow could make things easier for you.

That’s where I come in. I’ll share some top travel pillow picks so you can find something to take on your next trip and sleep with ease. 

The Best Travel Pillows: My Top 5 Picks

• Editor’s Pick – Cabeau Evolution S3
• Best Travel Pillow for Long Flights – BCOZZY Neck Pillow
• Best Travel Neck Pillow – trtl Travel Pillow
• Best Inflatable Travel Pillow – TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow
• Best Memory Foam Travel Pillow – TravelMate Memory Foam Neck Pillow

My Video Review of The Best Travel Pillows

The Best Travel Pillows, Reviewed

Editor’s pick.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

A fresh take on the classic wraparound travel pillow, the Cabeau Evolution S3 supports your head and neck from all sides.

Sleep Advisor Score

Why the cabeau evolution s3 earned editor’s pick.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 has an appropriate name, as this is a highly evolved neck pillow with all the right stuff for comfortable travel. At first blush, it has the same horseshoe shape that you’ve seen many times before. But it’s the subtle upgrades—like the raised side cushions, the headrest straps, and the sturdy feel of the foam—that earned it the title of best travel pillow overall. 

What I Liked

• No lolling to the side – The Cabeau’s chunky design is intentional: it gives you 360-degree head support. When I tilted my head to the side, it didn’t lean very far at all. Instead, it was supported by the raised cushions on the left and right.
• Headrest straps – The straps on the back of this pillow enable you to attach it to the headrest of your seat, so it shouldn’t slip down as you snooze. 

Potential Drawbacks

• Shrinks to half its size but no more – Because this is a memory foam travel pillow, it won’t shrink down for storage as much as an inflatable one. It compresses quite a bit to fit in a convenient carrying case, though. 

Best Travel Pillow for Long Flights

BCOZZY Neck Pillow

A flexible travel pillow that can be wrapped and bent into cozy shapes that accommodate different sleeping positions.

Why BCOZZY Neck Pillow Earned Best Travel Pillow for Long Flights

If you’re going to spend hours on a plane, you’ll want a travel pillow that can support your neck in a variety of positions. The BCOZZY is a super flexible option that looks almost like a warm scarf, but has lots of built-in support. 

You can wrap it fully around your neck if you’re going to be leaning forward, or pile it on top of itself if you’d like to lean on it to your left or right. I had a lot of fun testing all the possible variations with this one! 

• Flexible – You can modify the BCOZZY depending on where you need the most support (your chin, your neck, or the side of your head). This comes in handy if you’re a restless sleeper on planes, or if you have multiple flights with different kinds of seats on each. 
• Lots of colors and sizes – There’s a full rainbow of colors to choose from with this travel pillow, as well as both kid and adult sizes to fit a wide range of necks.
• May need lots of adjusting – If you struggle to find just the right position when you sleep, you may need to work a bit to arrange the BCOZZY around your neck. The velcro that keeps it closed and stable also limits how tight or loose it can be. 

Best Travel Neck Pillow

trtl Pillow

A scarf-like travel pillow with pleasantly bracing neck and head support.

Why the trtl Travel Pillow Earned Best Travel Neck Pillow

A sore neck can definitely put a damper on your vacation. For awesome neck support during travel, I recommend the trtl—a travel pillow with some of the best neck support I’ve encountered so far. The support comes from a specially designed “flipper” inside the pillow’s fabric, which should hold your chin up and bolster your head, keeping your airway clear and your spinal alignment ideal. 

• Really reliable neck support – Because this pillow has a more robust support system than most, it felt like it would hold my neck and head up securely for long periods of time. 
• Extremely lightweight – The trtl is easy to fold up and store once you take the support flipper out of it, and it weighs next to nothing. 
• A bit more costly – At around $60, this travel pillow is one of the more expensive options on this list. But its design is so different—and so effective—that I think it’s priced pretty fairly. 

Best Inflatable Travel Pillow

Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow

A long inflatable travel pillow that enables users to “side sleep” even when they don’t have a window seat or ledge to rest on.

Why the TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow Earned Best Inflatable Travel Pillow 

Compared to the other travel pillows on this list, the TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow looks quite unique. It has a long, tapering design that can go across or next to your entire upper body, allowing you to lean to one side even if you didn’t get the window seat on your flight. (You can also hug it for an extra feeling of security!) 

• Lots of coverage – This pillow almost felt like it was holding me while it was also supporting my head and neck. It’s the only pillow I tried that extended all the way across my torso. 
• Big when inflated, tiny when stored – Even though it inflates to an impressive height, when it’s deflated, this travel pillow rolls up neatly and discreetly. 
• You have to inflate it yourself – Before you can use this travel pillow, you’ll have to inflate it. But I found that it only took a few hearty breaths before it was ready to go.

Best Memory Foam Travel Pillow

TravelMate Neck Support Travel Pillow

A memory foam travel pillow with a removable insert that adjusts its thickness and feel.

Why the TravelMate Memory Foam Neck Pillow Earned Best Memory Foam Travel Pillow 

If you like the luxurious feel of memory foam, TravelMate has a portable pillow that should feel indulgent while you’re on a plane or in the car. Although it looks like a classic travel pillow, it has a bonus customization feature: a removable foam insert that changes its thickness and feel. I enjoyed the soft feel of its washable cover almost as much my neck and head appreciated the plush foam inside. 

• Budget-friendly for memory foam – This travel pillow is often on sale and costs a bit less than most of the others I tested for this roundup. That said, its foam still feels soft and luxurious. 
• Elastic strap – A small elastic strap on the side of the pillow means it’s easy to clip it to your luggage or backpack.  
• No bells and whistles – With the exception of its removable insert, this travel pillow doesn’t have any features that break the mold. If you’re looking for a more innovative model, revisit the travel pillows above. 

Who Should Consider Buying a Travel Pillow?

A travel pillow is a small pillow you can take with you on trips to help you sleep during the journey. Travel pillows help support the head and neck for those times when you have to sleep upright. Because they’re designed specifically for traveling, they often have a unique shape or design that works for this purpose.

Travel pillows are excellent for those who travel often, as well as anyone who likes to sleep while en route to their destination.

How to Choose a Travel Pillow 

An airplane pillow could make the difference between a relaxed sleep throughout your flight and an uncomfortable struggle that leaves you tired and with a strained neck.

If you’re unsure of what to look for in a travel pillow, I’ll guide you through specific features and qualities you need to know in the selection process.

Inflatable or Not?

Inflatable travel pillows tend to be far more convenient in terms of portability as they take up little to no space in your luggage or backpack. This is the main reason why a lot of people prefer them. At the same time, though, they tend to allow air to get out and flatten out quickly upon applying continuous pressure.

Noninflatable pillows, on the other hand, tend to be bulkier and more challenging to carry as they take up more space. However, the upside to these ones is that many of them are made of conforming memory foam , which is particularly comfortable and supportive.

In other words – it’s a trade-off based on your preferences. If you want to get something portable and you’re willing to sacrifice some of the stability, go for an inflated unit and vice versa.

This would depend on the neck pillow that you’d want to get. Inflatable travel pillows are usually made of polyurethane-based materials, which are easily folded and packaged. They are soft and very comfortable.

On the other hand, the wide majority of non-inflated airplane travel pillows are made out of conforming memory foam. They deliver better comfort and support to your neck, and most of them are going to capture the unintentional tilting of your head in every direction when you sleep in a sitting position.

Neck Support

This is the single, most important thing that you would have to take into account when you are purchasing an airplane pillow. Unless you have the luxury that comes with expensive first-class exclusive tickets to have a bed on board, you would have to sleep in a sitting position.

This is going to make your head tilt with the natural movements of the plane or any other type of transportation method. As such, the most pressure throughout your sleep would be forced on your neck. That’s why you should be looking for a pillow that’s going to deliver enhanced neck support.

If you also need this at home, check out our top-quality pillows for neck pain .

Airplane Sleep Position

Your sleeping position is going to be determined by the type of travel pillow you decide on. Some people prefer to rest their head on the back headrest, and they would benefit the most from a regular, u-shaped neck pillow.

Others tend to tilt their head quite a lot and could be better off with a pillow that’s capable of capturing forward tilting motions as well.

Long or Short Flight?

If you’re going on a longer flight, you might benefit more from an inflated neck travel pillow as it would take little to no space in your baggage. The assumption is that you’d have to take quite a lot of personal items, and the last thing you’d want is to get half of your suitcase filled with a pillow.

On the other hand, if the flight’s shorter and you can afford to take less luggage, you might consider a non-inflated and bulkier neck pillow.

Some people also opt to wear their noninflatable pillow around their neck to save space in their luggage.

Feel & Comfort

Comfort is always important when traveling, especially if you plan on sleeping during the ride. If you need a firm pillow for optimal comfort, then you want to make sure your pillow has this quality. 

Along with overall comfort, you should also consider the pillow’s feel. Do you usually prefer softer pillows with more sinkage or firmer models that offer more support? Think about the materials and how they might feel on the skin.

Having a set budget helps narrow down the options because there are many travel pillows out there. Some are more expensive than others, so having an idea of how much you’re willing to spend can make it easier to choose. Luckily, the market is also packed with affordable options, so you don’t have to break the bank to have a comfortable travel pillow for your traveling.

Trial, Warranty, & Return Policy

Many travel pillows come with a trial, allowing you to test how they fit your needs and preferences for a certain period. This can be anywhere between 30 and 90 days, depending on the particular pillow and brand. 

However, you should also read the fine print in case you need to return the item. Some companies allow free returns, while others require you to pay a return fee. 

Generally, travel pillows come with a warranty that usually lasts at least a year. Again, you should verify this before purchasing anything in the event of a product defect.

Cleaning & Care

How you’ll clean your new travel pillow depends on the particular pillow you buy. In other words, not all travel pillows require the same cleaning and care because they’re not made from the same materials. 

Some models have a removable, machine-washable cover, while others allow spot-cleaning only. Nonetheless, most models are easy to clean.

Types of Pillows for Travel

• Inflatable pillow – This pillow is available in various shapes, but the fact that it’s inflatable makes it extra convenient. You can inflate it within minutes, and it takes up minimal space when deflated. 
• U-shaped pillow – U-shaped pillows are the traditional, most commonly used option. This is a versatile pillow that works for leaning against the window or sleeping on the tray table.
• Foam pillow – This pillow comes in various shapes but has a foam filling that makes it firmer and gives you more support for those bumpy rides. 
• Bead pillow – A bead pillow has microbeads that give it a softer structure. It’s available in many shapes, including a U shape. 
• Ergonomic pillow – An ergonomic pillow is designed for maximum support and comfort, especially around the neck area. These are excellent for long trips.

Best Travel Pillow FAQs

Yes, travel pillows can be helpful for kids, who should get great neck support from them to prevent strain or injury. There are even some travel pillows specially designed for kids.

People who sit next to the window have the advantage of something to lean their head on, even though the window isn’t exactly the most comfortable choice. However, if you’re in the middle or aisle seat, you should definitely get a pillow to support your neck since the head has nothing else to lean on.

Yes, you could experience neck pain if you purchase an inappropriate or low-quality travel pillow for your flight. Ideally, whichever pillow you choose should at least give you adequate neck support.

My Final Thoughts

Failing to get the most appropriate travel pillow for you might result in strain and stiffness. With this in mind, if you pay attention to what’s been mentioned above, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Most importantly, your travel pillow should be able to support your head enough to prevent neck strain, but it’s also helpful to look at other qualities, such as whether or not it’s inflatable and the materials it’s made of. 

A great travel pillow can be a lifesaver for those long flights when you have nothing to rest your head against, and it gives you a better shot of actually sleeping through the trip.

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper

Sources & References:

• How To Travel the World Without Jet lag – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Best Sleep Scarfs for Travel

Travel is a wonderful thing and should be encouraged whenever possible. However, one of the drawbacks – and a reason why some people avoid long flights – is that it can be quite difficult to fall asleep or even rest comfortably in your seat. Trying to adjust your airline pillow or own neck pillow can feel like a never-ending saga. Thankfully, some clever scarf brands are creating a new wave of sleeping products for travel that are comfortable, handsome, and convenient. We tested out the leading travel scarfs and found out how they compare. Read below to find out more:

Editor’s Choice

TedBoss Travel Neck Pillow Scarf

• Adaptable shape. One of the benefits of the memory foam composition of this travel pillow scarf is that you can form the pillow to fit – and provide support – in whatever position you are in: middle seat, aisle, or even on your couch
• Lightweight. This travel neck pillow scarf from TedBoss weighs in between 7 and 8 ounces, not even half a pound. This is lighter than many competitors on the market
• Keeps you warm. This product not only supports the neck during travel, but it doubles as a scarf that wraps around your neck and head. For those that tend to get cold on flights or train voyages due to the variable air you’re feeling, this is a great choice for you!
• Getting it on in a tight space. Though it is easy to put on and start using, depending on your seating situation on the plane, there might be an added layer of difficulty trying to gracefully put this neck pillow scarf on
• Headphones. Many people enjoy listening to music as they fall asleep. While this is all dependent on the type of headphones you are using, some customers may find it hard to get their headphones exactly right while making the neck pillow scarf in its most supportive position, as the scarf can cover part of your ears.

The TedBoss Travel Neck Pillow Scarf is made out of a washable, soft micro fleece material on the outside and a layer of memory foam pillow on the inside. It is specially designed to allow comfort in any direction you would like your head to rest - even being able to keep your head from falling forward and supporting your neck while you sleep.

Sleeper Scarf 2-in-1 Travel Scarf and Inflatable Neck Pillow

• Easy for travel. This product showcases several travel-ready features. Because it can be easily inflated and deflated, it can be folded quite compacted after use. As it doubles as a wearable scarf, it can even be worn off the plane rather than packed
• Design. Sleeper Scarf makes a handsomely designed piece of travel luxury that can blend into most modern outfits, male and female. Perfect for those with a proud style sense
• Length. While a lot of sleep products can be rather small for some customers, this scarf measures 77 inches in length, so it can be worn as an infinity scarf, wrap around most people’s bodies, while still being folded for travel
• Cost. If you are really looking for a nice neck pillow that you can wear off the plane, this is a great purchase for you. However, be aware that, at just under $40 a pop, this is one of the more expensive products on the market
• Leaks. Though this isn’t a problem unique to this particular product, any type of furniture or clothing-wear that relies on being inflated and then has put pressure on it is liable to have leaks at some point

Sleeper Scarf’s 2-in-1 Travel Scarf has a hidden air valve that, upon unzipping and inflating, transforms what appears to be an ordinary fashion scarf into a neck pillow. Available in several different colors, this product is made out of 95% cotton, measures 77 inches in length, and can be machine washed with your laundry.

Best Bargain

WAYPOINT GOODS Travel Infinity Scarf with Secret Hidden Zipper Pocket

• Fits smart phones and passports. The pocket is designed for you to not only fit your cash and ID, but also your passport and smartphones sizes up to the iPhone+
• Designs. The huge variety of different colors, designs, and themes make this product stand head and shoulders above other makers of travel scarfs. Picking the right one for you is made easy – perfect for getting multiple scarfs as holiday gifts
• Comfort. This reviewer found the scarf comfortable to wear and felt no irritation from the material. Super soft and perfect for staying warm
• Neck support. Though this scarf can be used on the plane while traveling, it needs to be bunched up and placed on one side or the other in order to provide enough neck support
• Zipper access. The zipper is super handy and can make some worries about travel safety dissipate. However, if you are constantly needing to access the secret pocket, it can be a hassle to do so over and over again

WAYPOINT GOODS has a travel scarf that not only is comfortable on flights, but it has a secret hidden zipper pocket that allows you to store your valuables easily and securely as you head to your destination. There are over 30 designs available for purchase; each is inspired by famed locations and people around the world, including national parks, world cities like Paris and Oslo, artists, and nonprofits that are making a difference in their local communities.

How We Picked

Travel issues are one of the more common experiences people have – the pains of layovers, checked luggage, and hailing a cab. However, when trying to fall asleep on a plane, we are often on our own personal islands of discomfort. Finding a travel pillow to help you fall asleep is decision that could make or break your next flight. Thankfully there are several brands that are pushing the envelope and making smart travel neck pillow scarfs that provide not only comfort and support, but can be incorporated into our travel apparel. With lots of options out there offering different perks, we’ve sorted through some of the key determinations to make:

We’ve all seen our airline mates rocking goofy-looking neck devices and pillow “things”. When choosing something that you want to be able to use flight after flight, you will want to find a design, color, shape that matches your aesthetic. Some products are pretty neutral, while others provide some flash that might match your personal style.

Bottom-line, neck pillow scarfs will only be worn as long as they are comfortable for you. Everyone has different body types and travel needs, let alone sleep patterns and habits. Look out for the different types of outer materials, the pillow type (if any), and the shape of the scarf. The travel scarf that is more comfortable for you may be ineffective for someone else, so please keep in mind when shopping.

Ease of use

While most of the scarfs on the market are designed to be convenient, travel can throw lots of different scenarios and uncomfortable scenarios at you. Some of the leading brands need you to inflate the pillow yourself, or require wrapping and setting it up around your neck upon sitting down. This may be a downside of some products when sitting on a cramped plane in the middle seat.

Though most brands offer smart travel neck pillow scarves for under $40, these products are usually considered a bonus luxury travel item, not a necessity. Depending on your need and how frequently you travel, you may want to consider a lower-priced item if you will use it once a year or on the other hand, opt for the best available to aid your frequent travel.

Keeping it clean

Because this is a purchase that you will most likely be pressing against airline seats, some users will want to be able to clean the product from time to time, if not after every flight. Some products have removable cases, while others can just be tossed straight into the wash. Depending on what color travel neck pillow scarf you purchase, and how much you or a loved one might drool, you might want to get a product that is easily washed.

Buying Tips

Not sure which smart travel scarf is best for you? Below are some key considerations to ponder when making a purchase:

• Figure out your travel needs. Are you traveling to a cold weather location? Do you have trouble sleeping on a plane? Do you get annoyed by how traditional travel pouches fit on your body? All of the leading brands offer travel scarfs that can either aid your sleep on a plane, provide warmth as soon as you disembark, allow secure and secret storage of your most valuable travel items. Some products even feature a combination of these features. If you travel often or have a big trip coming up, make sure you are getting the right travel scarf for you.
• What’s your style? While some people will just stump for the scarf that fits their needs the best, some people may want to make an impression as they travel. Several of the top brands provide different colors, patterns, and textures. As these scarfs are designed not only to be used on a plane while slumbering, but to be worn off the plane and be incorporated into your outfit, customers should choose carefully. Whether vouching for neutral colors such as black or grey, or wanting to make a splash with some color patterns, choosing a scarf that matches your aesthetic will make your purchase feel more long-lasting.
• How do you sleep on a plane? Modern airline seats do not offer much flexibility whether sleeping or just relaxing. However, people have figured out the best ways to make themselves comfortable. Do you lean to one side, resting your head on a loved one or the window? Do you lean forward? Use your arms as pillows on the tray-table? Depending on how you are most comfortable sleeping on a plane, you should really consider the different pillows and cushioning systems, as well as the design, of the competing travel scarf brands.
• Easy to clean? If you travel often or plan on sharing the travel scarf with family members, it is best to find a product that you can toss right into the laundry. Airplanes carry tons of germs and potentially sick passengers every flight. I’m not sure how often airline seats are cleaned, but after a few times using a travel scarf, I would like to know if I could clean it or not. Some scarfs wrap tightly around the neck and may not come into contact with airline seats. Every product is made of different materials so check out what each brand is using to make their scarfs and figure out if you can fit it in your typical wash cycle.

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Logan Block

The 9 Best Travel Pillows for Sound Sleep On-the-Go

Say goodbye to that sore neck.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

What to Look for in a Travel Pillow

How we selected these travel pillows, pick the perfect travel pillow following these tips from expert chris meehan..

So, how to make the time in the air (or car or train) more relaxing? The right travel pillow may be the ticket the next time you take off somewhere. It's a basic travel accessory that ranks right up there with great luggage and noise-cancelling headphones .

In its U-shaped form, the travel pillow dates back to 1929 when the design was first patented. Its original intent was for use to recline in the bathtub. Since then, its look and feel has changed with modern versions configured in unique shapes to address all different kinds of travelers: long-haul fliers, restless sleepers, window-seat passengers, and more.

A decent travel pillow includes a soft cover using fabrics like brushed polyester, nylon, or microfiber, while the cushioning (or fill) inside should be supportive and comfortable yet structured enough for your head and neck. The fill types commonly used are assorted types of foam, microbeads, and polyester fiber, in addition to those kinds of pillows with an inflatable bladder

Whether you’re a side slumper, leaner on the seat-back, or nose-to-the sky snoozer, there is a pillow here for you. In our review and testing of travel pillows, we’ve found options in a variety of designs, weights, and shapes from under $20 to well over $60. Read on to find the best one for you!

Best Travel Pillows

• Best Overall Travel Pillow: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
• Best Hot-Sleeper Travel Pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam
• Best Bargain Travel Pillow: Cloudz Dual Comfort Microbead Travel Neck Pillow
• Best Splurge Travel Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
• Best Side-Sleeper Travel Pillow: Trtl Pillow Plus

The Expert: Taking multiple plane, train, and bus rides every year, I’m familiar with necessary on-the-go accessories like a travel pillow. For instance, I am based in Colorado and last year I flew to Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. My car travels included a road trip to Zion National Park with a buddy. My average trip takes about seven hours between the trains to and from the airport and the plane ride itself. After using quite a few travel pillows, I’ve found that I enjoy a side-sleeping pillow like the J-Pillow for plane rides since I tend to loll off to one side, and I like the traditionally shaped rectangular pillow, the NEMO Fillo, for other types of excursions like bus and car rides as well as car camping. Its combination of padding and inflate-ability make it versatile for many types of trips.

Many of the travel pillows below don’t look like the traditional U-shaped ones with microbeads—and for good reason. The U-shape doesn't work for everyone as it has a tendency to push the neck forward. Also, if the cushioning isn’t high enough on each side, it may cause your head to flop from left to right instead providing a stationary space. Any neck wobble may result in kinks, stiffness, and soreness.

Those designs that are squared or have flat cushioning behind the neck with more coverage under the chin help keep the head upright. Contoured areas to accommodate the shoulders and help keep the pillows properly aligned.

Depending on how you prefer to rest, the right pillows will ensure some shut-eye on the plane, in the car, or on the train. Here are some factors to consider.

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While many are compact, this will be a factor depending on how light you like to travel. The most compact of all neck pillows is one that’s inflatable. These can deflate to a size smaller than a baseball. Bulkier memory foam pillows, on the other hand, will compress down to about the size of a football.

Most travel pillows weigh under 1 pound, so they’re manageable enough to bring along and to use without putting downward pressure on your shoulders.

U-shape is most common, but it’s not the only form factor out there. Some travel pillows are mini-sized traditionally shaped pillows. Others are coil or donut-shaped to allow for better chin support for slumping sleepers, and at least a few, like the J-Pillow, are designed to offer extra head support for those of us who love to sleep with our head against the wall of a plane or train.

Just like your pillow at home, travel pillows have a range of different fills. Microbeads are likely the stiffest and least compressible while memory foam offers solid support and adjusts to the shape of your head. Inflatable pillows also offer customized cushioning but are sometimes cheaper in design.

Most travel pillows have a soft, fleecy fabric made of polyester, nylon or micro fleece that’s designed for comfort against the face. The fabric of the pillow can also go a long way to describe its washability. Some have covers that are easy to take off and wash. Even some with integrated covers are still machine washable.

The recommendations below are based on my own travel experiences in the air, car, bus, and train. I also looked at customer reviews to gauge what pillows have performed well for most people. Additionally, I considered the work of Paige Szmodis , who investigated pillow options for the previous version of this article.

Overall, these pillows made their way onto red-eye flights, along for road trips (in cars and buses), camping, and even lounging on the couch. Neck support and comfort were factored in as well as portability, durability, washability, and usage. I also considered if pillows came with a storage bag, how well each pillow retained its shape, and what the packed dimensions were versus overall size.

These pillows represent the top options for travelers who go by car, plane, bus, train, or even those who need a good lightweight pillow for laying horizontal in the airport while waiting for their next flight.

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

With limited space for a bulky pillow when on-the-go, packability is key. The Travelrest Nest packs an amazing amount of memory-foam cushioning into the smallest stuff sack. Even after being compressed in its bag for over a week, the pillow immediately puffed right back into its original shape.

While compact, it doesn’t compromise on support. With 5-inches of thermo-sensitive memory foam on all sides, it conforms to the shape of your neck and shoulders and keeps your head in place no matter if you tend to loll to the front, back, or sides. Unlike many U-shaped pillows, its angled back sits flush against any seat surface without pushing your head forward. Bonu: the nonslip panel helps prevent it from sliding off airplane seats.

At a reasonable price—Travelrest even throws in a travel bag and memory foam earplugs to sweeten the deal—its removable cover retains its velvety softness after cycles in the washer and dryer, though it’s a bit of a tight fit to pull the cover back on over the foam’s contours. The dense foam also makes it a little challenging to fold up into its bag, but once you get it in there, it can compress down to a quarter of its original size. On the down side, its high cushioning could pinch earrings or interfere with larger headphones.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam

The Cabeau Evolution S3, which has many of the same top features as our Best Overall, is ideal if you sleep a bit on the hot side. Its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep you cool and comfortable.

With its U-shaped design, this memory foam pillow prevents lateral movement—your head falling to either side—and features a slimmed flat back so it won’t push your head forward. While the back surface isn’t angled and grippy like the Travelrest, the Cabeau comes with straps to loop around your headrest to keep it in place. Note: These straps may not be compatible with all seat designs and might possibly disturb the person behind you on a flight. Also, with its thick cushioning, the Evolution's height may interfere with certain headphones.

The dense memory foam will take a few seconds to roll up into the travel case but it will hold its shape well after packing away many times. Plus, the polyester cover was easy to slip on and off to wash and dry. A bonus is the travel case which can easily be clipped onto the outside of your bags and luggage.

Cloudz Dual Comfort Microbead Travel Neck Pillow

One of the most well-known neck pillows out there, Cloudz is the one you’re most likely to find in an airport. It’s inexpensive and will do the trick for most flights and other travel, but isn’t as comfortable or as well designed as some of the other picks in our roundup.

The spandex fabric on one side allows the pillow to conform to your shoulders and keeps you cool, while the cozy plush on the other side helps you drift off to sleep. The snap in front keeps the pillow properly oriented while traveling. It’s not machine washable, and over time the small polystyrene beads will compress, ultimately reducing cushioning. As such, it’ll do in a pinch but won't have the durability as some of the other choices here.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

The makers of the Ostrichpillow Go believe resting shouldn’t require any effort, which is why they pride themselves on designs that are minimalist and easy to use as well as sustainably made. The ergonomic and sleek Go neck pillow promotes 360-degree comfort with a memory foam core, yet it packs down into a stuff sack just over half of its original size. Even after being stored away for a week, it easily expanded back to its circular shape.

While other options may compress into slightly smaller packs, I like this pillow's dense memory foam padding and the Velcro fastener, which allows for a custom fit. Since its cushion height is higher on one side than the other, the taller side may interfere with headphones. For comfort, the cover is luxuriously soft and holds up after machine washing.

Trtl Pillow Plus

Trtl might have the most unconventional looking travel pillow—loop, wrap and nap, as the company says—but plenty of people—especially side sleepers—swear by it. Inside the fleece fabric that gets wrapped around your neck is a cushioned plastic brace that rests on one shoulder and props your head up. Some may find the fleece gets a little too warm, but if you’re always cold on the plane, this could work for you. The fleece wrap also detaches easily from the plastic brace for washing.

While the Trtl Plus is expensive (the costliest of the ones recommended here), it does offer a custom fit courtesy of two plastic knobs that adjust both sides of the plastic panel. It comes with a travel bag which is handy if you don’t want to lug it around on the outside of your bag when traveling.

If you’re still intrigued, but put off by the price, the original Trtl costs about $40 less and is a bit more subtle in styling than the Plus. It looks more like a fleece scarf than a neck brace. There’s no case but it folds almost flat with a Velcro latch, to about the size of a large book, so you can fit it in your bag.

Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow

If your head tends to fall forward when you try to sleep upright, the Bcozzy keeps your head up by curling around your whole neck with the ends overlapping under the chin. There are also a few more ways you can wear it, such as folded in half to elevate just one side of your head.

The Bcozzy, available in children's and extra-large sizing, doesn’t come with a removable cover, but the whole pillow is machine washable. A travel case is included.

Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow

According to some studies, passengers shift positions on a plane every 15 minutes, so this travel pillow is ideal for anyone who changes it up frequently on a flight. It works for forward slumpers, side sleepers, and even couples who want to position it between themselves. It's also perfect for those who want to read or watch a program in privacy.

To make the most of this unique pillow, you'll need a tray table to rest it on. The Sunany pillow can be used at either 19.6- or 11.8-inches high depending on how it is oriented. One downside, considering its inflated size is so large, is that it can be cumbersome to reposition.

AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow

This dog bone-shaped, inflatable travel pillow is as ideal for the skies as it is for the roads. Take it in the plane or the car since its adjustable strap easily fits around most headrests, and thanks to its basic shape and adjustability via inflation, you can customize how soft or firm it is depending on your needs.

The foam backed bladder helps reduce the balloon-like feel of some inflatable travel pillows. Use it behind the neck and shoulder or behind the lower back for lumbar support. Extra points for the plush cover that is machine washable.

With so many travel specific pillows and U-shaped design styles, why pick a traditional rectangle option as the most versatile? It’s simple—you can’t reinvent the wheel. With foam and an inflatable bladder, travelers can adjust its firmness, roll it up for neck support on a plane, press it against a wall or window, use it as a normal pillow, or take it along for car travel or camping.

This is the versatile pillow I bring on trips when I am doing multiple types of adventure and know I will need a pillow that can handle the travel itself and anything after. I appreciate the use of both the foam and the air bladder, which means I can adjust the cushioning and the support. With NEMO’s combination, it creates a pillow that doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping on a balloon like some inflatable pillows do. It also easily stuffs down into a sack—about the size of a big Chipotle burrito—that’s integrated into the removable, machine washable cover.

J-Pillow Travel Pillow

The J-Pillow diverges from the traditional U-shape, co-opting another letter for its design. The curve of the “J” cradles your chin while the rest of the pillow supports one side of your head.

While this design is best-suited for passengers at a window seat, I found the J-Pillow didn’t slip off my shoulder even when I wasn't leaning against a window. There is plenty of cushioning, so it's comfortable, but its biggest flaw is its slightly awkward and bulky shape.

Though it comes with a travel sack, it doesn’t compress nearly as much as other travel pillows. Because it didn’t fit into my backpack, I had to carry it separately—not exactly ideal for frequent fliers—though you could use its snap loop to attach to luggage or tie the bag’s drawstring to a gear loop.

What is typically the best way to clean a travel pillow? Should I look for one that is machine-washable?

Always follow the manufacturers’ recommendations. Many inflatable and foam pillows aren’t designed for machine washing and can get damaged in the process. Some of my favorite travel pillows have removable covers that are machine washable.

If given the choice of an inflatable, microbead, or memory foam travel pillow, what do you prefer and why?

If I'm not worried about packing space and my travel plans include a flight, I like memory foam since it cradles the head softly. If you’re traveling and doing multiple things while away, an inflatable pillow might be best since it takes up less space while packed and can be customized for different types of resting.

How do you know if a travel pillow is the right fit?

Think about how you rest while traveling and look for a pillow that fits those needs. You’ll want one with enough support to cradle your head as you nod off, whether that’s off to the side, straight back, or slumping forward.

Chris Meehan is an internationally published writer, author, and editor with more than two decades of professional experience. He has authored multiple adventure guidebooks with Falcon Guides and his work focusses primarily on the nexus between sustainability and outdoor adventure. He is an experienced gear reviewer, tester, and travel writer who has explored multiple continents. 

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Are Travel Pillows Worth the Investment? 🤗15 Best Travel Pillows: Your Ultimate Companion for Comfortable Journeys

Are Travel Pillows Worth the Investment? Yes! The comfort and quality of sleep you’ll experience during your travels are well worth the investment.

When you travel, your top priority is reaching your destination comfortably and enjoying every moment of your journey.

However, sleepless nights and neck discomfort can be common pain points. Travel Pillows are designed to alleviate these issues, offering the support and comfort you need.

In this article, we will guide you through a curated selection of the best travel pillows that can make your adventures more relaxing.

We’ve conducted in-depth research to provide you with expert insights and personal experiences, ensuring you choose the ideal travel companion for a peaceful journey.

🧐 Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Travel Pillows [Buying Guide]

1. ultimate travel pillow & neck pillow by travelrest, 2. exhale travel neck pillow by eagle creek, 3. scientifically proven super soft neck support travel pillow by trtl pillow, 4. fully adjustable neck pillow plus for airplane travel by trtl, 5. home travel soft neck scarf support sleep by huzi , 6. inflatable travel pillow for airplane by xflyee, 7. portable head neck rest inflatable pillow by travel pillow, 8. comfortlite self-inflating pillow by teton sports, 9. memory foam airplanes neck pillows by saireider , 10. sleep mask and memory foam pillow by gosleep, 11. evolution cool neck support pillow by cabeau, 12. ultralight inflatable camping travel pillow by trekology, 13. inflatable travel foot rest pillow by maliton , 14. hoodiepillow brand (inflatable) travel hoodie pillow-gray, 15. inflatable neck travel pillow by aircomfy , 1. inflatable travel pillows, 2. microbead travel pillows, 3. memory foam travel pillows, 👌 benefits for travel pillows, q. are memory foam pillows suitable for side sleepers, q. can inflatable travel pillows be adjusted for firmness, q. are natural fiber travel pillows hypoallergenic, q. how should i clean my travel pillow, q. how do i store my travel pillow when not in use, q. which type of travel pillow is best for side sleepers, q. are inflatable travel pillows comfortable, q. can i use a travel pillow in various travel settings, q. are travel pillows machine-washable, 😇 conclusion, ✉ tell us in the comments your opinion about the best travel pillows..

Here’s a buying guide to help you select the best travel pillow for your needs:

• Size and Portability: Consider the size of the travel pillow when deflated or compressed. It should fit easily in your carry-on bag or backpack. Some travel pillows come with a compact carrying pouch or can be attached to your luggage for convenience.
• Support and Comfort: Look for a travel pillow that provides proper neck and head support, preventing your head from falling forward. Opt for a design that cradles your neck and keeps your spine aligned, reducing the risk of neck pain or discomfort.
• Cover Material: Choose a pillow with a removable and washable cover. This is essential as travel pillows can become dirty during your journeys.
• Versatility: Some travel pillows are designed to be used in various positions, like behind your back or under your chin. Consider your preferred sleeping posture and select a versatile option.
• Durability: Check the quality of materials and construction to ensure the pillow will withstand the rigors of travel.
• Hygiene and Allergies: If you have allergies, consider hypoallergenic materials and covers that are easy to clean and maintain.
• Noise: Inflatable pillows may produce noise when you move, which could disturb your sleep. Consider this factor if you’re a light sleeper.
• Price: Travel pillows come in a wide price range. Set your budget, but keep in mind that investing in a quality pillow can significantly enhance your travel experience.
• Customer Reviews: Research online reviews and recommendations from other travelers to get insights into the comfort, durability, and overall performance of the pillow you’re considering.
• Try Before You Buy: If possible, try the travel pillow in-store or borrow one from a friend to assess its comfort and fit before making a purchase.

📃 Best Travel Pillows For The Proper Sleep On The Plane

Each of these pillows has a unique characteristic that addresses the most difficult upright-sleeping issues.

The Travelrest is the ideal inflatable travel pillow if you sleep on your side. This one-of-a-kind design resembles a padded seatbelt and may be firmly attached to the side of an airplane seat, a car headrest, or simply draped across your body.

Despite its size, the pillow inflates swiftly and deflates into a small package that is easy to handle.

• TOP TRAVEL PILLOW OF 2024 – EXPERTLY RECOGNIZED BY…
• ENHANCE EVERY JOURNEY’S SLEEP QUALITY: Presenting…
• COMPLETE BODY SUPPORT FOR DEEP SLEEP: This pillow…
• UNIVERSAL COMFORT FOR ALL AGES: No matter your…

Last update on 2024-03-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Also Read: Hotel Stays And Sleep Quality  With An Orthopedic Pillow

It’s incredible how a small buckle can make such a difference in comfort. Eagle Creek’s Exhale Neck Pillow takes a regular U-shape neck pillow and adds a little clip in the front that draws the two front ends together, removing the awkward empty place that allows your head to fall forward and wake you up.  It’s pretty genius.

• EXHALE NECK PILLOW – This super soft and ergonomic…
• TRAVEL IN COMFORT – Stay comfortable on the train,…
• ULTRA-SOFT NECK PILLOW – Luxurious fleece case is…
• PACKABLE TRAVEL ACCESSORIES – Valve allows for…

The scarf-like, fleece Trtl Pillow — pronounced “turtle” — will be your sleep savior if you’ve found that U-shaped neck pillows don’t provide the support you need to fall asleep.

It has a stronger inner rib that conforms to the form of any neck, jaw, or shoulder.

It’s half the size of a regular neck pillow, plus it’s machine washable in the unfortunate situation of deep-sleep drool.

• Scientifically Proven Neck Pillows For Travel:…
• Enjoy a Real Sleeping Experience on Long Flights:…
• Lightweight and Compact Design: Weighing in at…
• Easy To Carry & Machine-Washable: Unlike regular…

Last update on 2024-03-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With the release of the Trtl Plus , whatever complaints that users of the original Trtl Pillow may have had — the fleece cover can become a little warm; the support angle isn’t exactly suitable for every neck — are left on the tarmac.

The updated version includes adjustable neck support for Goldilocks-style comfort, as well as a breathable mesh fabric wrap. Although the price is higher, we believe that excellent sleep is priceless.

• Achieve the Perfect Fit for Every Height: Unlike…
• Experience Premium Comfort in No Time: The Trtl…
• Easy To Carry & Machine-Washable: Thanks to the…
• Enjoy a Real Sleeping Experience on Long Commutes:…

Huzi Design’s Infinity Pillow is a game-changer. It’s shaped like an infinity symbol, and you may wrap it in virtually any way you like.

Its high-quality bamboo fabric is machine washable, hypoallergenic, and antibacterial, and when worn over the ears, it even has noise-canceling capabilities.

• INFINITY PILLOW: The patented travel pillow…
• VERSATILE DESIGN: Adjust the portable neck pillow…
• AIRY COMFORT: Sleep better than ever with the…
• BREATHABLE MATERIALS: Made of high quality, super…

When not in use, the Xflyee Inflatable Travel Pillow is designed to provide neck support and is easy to store. You won’t have to worry about your head sliding around in the event of turbulence because the pillow is slip-resistant.

• COMFORTABLE & NO ODOR NECK PILLOW – Are you tired…
• COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL PILLOW – TPU based…
• EASY TO INFLATE & DEFLATE TRAVEL PILLOW – Simply…
• VERSATILE MULTI-PURPOSE INFINITY PILLOW – Xflyee…

If all you want to do is lay your head down and sleep, the HOMCA Travel Pillow will accommodate you (provided the person in front of you hasn’t reclined all the way back).

It expands to a height of 21 inches, allowing you to rest your head on it.

There’s a face cushion at the top (similar to a massage table) that allows you to breathe, as well as armholes on the sides that allow you to grip the cushion to keep it in place.

• Multi Use And Thoughtful Deal: Different Ways to…
• Best Material And Amazing Design: These Travel…
• Easy To Inflate And Deflate: You can Easily…
• Lightweight And Easily Portable: These Pillow only…

On a packed plane, don’t you like blowing up your inflatable pillow? With a fast twist of the side vent, the TETON Sports Self-Inflating Pillow fills with air.

It includes two sides: a non-slip grey side that keeps your pillow in place while you sleep and a soft, orange microfiber side that provides maximum comfort. 

• SELF-INFLATING TRAVEL PILLOW: Wake up comfortably…
• DURABLE BUT SOFT: Microfiber top feels soft…
• NO PUMP REQUIRED: Don’t wear yourself out…
• THE COMFORTLITE SERIES: Companion camping gear to…

The Mlvoc Travel Neck Pillow was designed with light sleepers in mind. Customers like that the memory foam adapts to their neck curves and has a sweat-resistant cover, but their favorite feature appears to be that the cushion is flat at the back and rests pleasantly against their seat.

The pillow also comes with a molded sleep mask and a pair of foam earplugs, and it folds up into a convenient carry case.

• Perfect Support Relieve Neck Pain: The flat-cut at…
• Premium Material: Our travel neck pillow is made…
• Portable Airplane Pillow: It comes with a storage…
• The Best Choice For Travel: Everyone needs a high…

The GoSleep Pillow Travel Kit will keep your head cradled securely in position if you’re practically nodding off as you try to nod off.

The eye mask is attached to the back of your headrest with an adjustable elastic thread, however, keep in mind that this feature may only be beneficial if your seat back doesn’t have a screen; avoid this one if you travel JetBlue or Delta.

• ✓DIFFERENT SYSTEM THAN TRADITIONAL TRAVEL…
• ✓TRAVEL COMFORT: As we all know, sleeping…
• ✓COMPACT FOR TRAVEL: Many travel pillows are…
• ✓PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS: The GOSLEEP 2 piece…

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is for you if just thinking about a thick, fluffy pillow wrapped around your neck makes you sweat. When the little air conditioning vent above you is in “does this even work?” mode, the sporty design blends memory foam with cooling air circulation vents and sweat-wicking fabric.

• PATENTED COOLING VENTS: The Cabeau Evolution Cool…
• TRAVEL ESSENTIAL: Our neck support pillow for…
• DR RECOMMENDED NECK PILLOW : Designed with…
• FITS YOUR LIFE : The Evolution Cool airplane…

Are you looking for the best camping inflatable travel pillows? Trekology’s version is ultra-lightweight (just 3.1 ounces) and folds down to the size of a soda can, so it won’t take up much room in your pack.

It swiftly expands to a full-size cushion and is ergonomically intended to support your head as you sleep.

• Small in Size – Big on Comfort! This is the most…
• New in 2.0! Now More Durable Than Ever! Enhanced…
• New in 2.0! Sleep Without Worry with Our…
• New in 2.0! Newly Stylish Designed with Your…

So far, we’ve looked at the best inflatable neck pillows, but we’d be negligent if we didn’t highlight Maliton’s inflatable footrest . The height of this cushion can be changed to fit any body type, and it’s made to match the specifications of an airplane seat.

• 【Inflatable Foot Rest, the Best Partner for Air…
• 【Double Cap Valve& Adjustable Height】
• 【Easy to Inflate & Deflate】
• 【Portable & Lightweight】

The Hoodie Pillow provides the comfort of sleeping in your favorite sweatshirt but with the added benefits of an eyeshade and neck support.

The attached inflatable pillow supports your head while a comfy hood with adjustable drawstrings may be put over your eyes to block out light and keep your head warm (and also separate you from a less-than-clean airline or train seat). 

• Unique hoodie design provides added privacy and…
• Featured on ABC’s Shark Tank
• Inflatable inner pillow – deflate and fold for…
• Adjustable drawstrings for a custom fit

AirComfy’s extremely soft cushion comes with a removable micro-velvet case for easy washing and a convenient carrying case for easy travel. This device also has an integrated air pump, so you don’t have to blow into a tube to inflate it.

• EASY TO INFLATE: No-blow inflation allows you to…
• EASY TO CLEAN: Keep your travel pillow clean by…
• PREVENTS NECK KINKS: This ergonomic neck support…
• PACKS SMALL: Neck pillows for travel shouldn’t…

🤔 Types of Travel Pillow

It’s important to know the type of travel pillow you are looking for before purchasing one. Travel pillows are divided into three categories.

U-shaped inflatable travel pillows are the most common. Inflate to desired hardness, or deflate and fold to a small, compact, and lightweight size for easy travel on long road trips or flights. Budget travelers will appreciate the convenience and support that inflatable pillows provide.

• ✈【Unique Design Allows Ergonomic】The…
• ✈【Get Rid Of Pain & Bad Posture】Bad posture…
• ✈【Inflate And Deflate Easily】The Inflatable…
• ✈【The Best Choice For Travel】Everyone need a…

Microbead travel pillows are u-shaped, lightweight, and packed with tiny polystyrene beads. Although the pillows alter shape to provide comfort and neck support, they normally provide the least level of comfort and aren’t suitable for light packers because they’re the least portable.

• THE ORIGINAL MICROBEAD TRAVEL PILLOW by Clöudz!…
• FILLED WITH EXCLUSIVE, ULTRA-PREMIUM Comforlite…
• DUAL COMFORT! Super soft and cozy plush on one…
• SNAP CLOSURE. Allows you to secure the pillow…

The firmest travel pillows on the market, memory foam travel pillows provide the most reliable neck support. They are widely rated as the most comfortable travel cushion since they mold to the shape of your neck and can be compressed and clipped for compact packing . Memory foam is one of the greatest travel pillows for frequent fliers while being the most expensive.

• 【Provide Perfect Support】With perfect curves…
• 【New Design Sweat-Resistant/ Washable…
• 【New Design Premium Memory Foam】Enjoy our…
• 【The Best Choice For Travel】Everyone need a…

Travel pillows are small but mighty accessories that offer a range of benefits for travelers looking to enhance their comfort and well-being during their journeys. Here are some of the key advantages of using travel pillows:

• Improved Comfort and Sleep: Travel pillows provide crucial neck and head support, reducing the chances of discomfort and ensuring a more restful sleep, especially during long flights or road trips.
• Reduced Neck Pain and Stiffness: By maintaining proper neck alignment, these pillows help prevent neck pain and stiffness that can result from sleeping in awkward positions while traveling.
• Enhanced Relaxation: Travel pillows contribute to a sense of relaxation, making it easier to unwind and enjoy the travel experience.
• Versatility: Travel pillows come in various designs, including U-shaped, inflatable, and memory foam options, catering to different travel scenarios and preferences.
• Compact and Portable: Most travel pillows are designed to be compact and easy to carry, making them a convenient addition to your travel essentials.
• Support During Transit: Whether on a plane, in a car, or on a train, these pillows provide the necessary support for your head and neck, reducing the risk of discomfort during transit.
• Prevention of Sleep-Related Issues: Travel pillows can help prevent sleep-related problems such as snoring and sleep apnea by promoting better head and neck positioning.
• Hygiene and Convenience: Many travel pillows come with removable, washable covers, making them easy to clean and maintain during your travels.
• Stress Reduction: A good night’s sleep and reduced discomfort contribute to lower stress levels, allowing you to arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed.
• Personalized Comfort: Travel pillows are available in various sizes and materials, allowing you to choose one that suits your unique comfort preferences.

🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQ’s About Best Travel Pillows

There are a lot of questions that come to our mind while buying travel pillows, some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

A. Yes, memory foam pillows can be excellent for side sleepers as they provide the necessary support and comfort.

A. Yes, most inflatable pillows come with adjustable air levels, allowing you to customize the firmness to your liking.

A. Yes, natural fiber pillows are often hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for travelers with allergies or sensitivities.

A. Check the manufacturer’s instructions, but most travel pillows come with removable and washable covers for easy cleaning.

A. Most travel pillows are designed to be compact and easily storable, making them convenient to carry on your journeys.

A. Memory foam travel pillows are often the best choice for side sleepers, as they offer excellent support.

A. Inflatable travel pillows can be comfortable, as you can adjust their firmness to your liking.

A. Yes, many travel pillows are versatile and can be used on flights, trains, buses, or even while camping.

A. Some travel pillows come with machine-washable covers, making them easy to clean.

Choosing the Best Travel Pillow can significantly improve your travel experience. Consider your specific needs, whether it’s neck support, space-saving design, or eco-friendliness. With the right travel pillow, you can enjoy a comfortable and restful journey no matter where your adventures take you.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

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Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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The 8 best neck pillows for travel.

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

The Best Neck Pillows for Travel

Courtesy of Cabeau

The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow is one of the best neck pillows for travel.

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

Best affordable: mvloc travel pillow, best for long flights: trtl travel pillow, best multipurpose: huzi infinity pillow, best inflatable: sunany inflatable travel pillow, best silk: slip jet setter travel pillow, best for backpacking: marchway ultralight inflatable camping pillow, best for kids: bcozzy double support neck pillow.

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "My pillow at home is made with memory foam so it's like bringing a piece of home on my travels," says travel blogger Jasmine Cheng of The Wandering Girl . "The sides are also raised, which prevents my head from moving when I'm sleeping." 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.

A handy storage pouch on the side of the pillow allows you to keep your earbuds or other small items close by, and the pillow comes with a clasp that attaches to carry-on luggage . The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable. What's more, this travel pillow can be stored in an included carry bag that condenses it to half its size.

Price: $39.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Cabeau

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 Shop now: Amazon

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: $59.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Trtl

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

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: $45 or less Shop now: Amazon | Infinity Pillow

Read:  What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

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.

Courtesy of Slip

Travel pillows don't get softer than this luxurious new option by Slip. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is made with the highest-grade long fiber mulberry silk, which helps to prevent skin creases and bedhead. It also comes with a carrying case with handles. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is available in three prints and a pretty solid blush color.

Price: $99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Slip

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 , digital producer for travel 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 Shop now: Amazon

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: $44.97 or less Shop now: Amazon

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 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 on Amazon. 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: Choose headphones that block some or all external noise. The Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones are especially well rated.
• White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
• Eye mask: An eye mask like this cotton option on Amazon helps to block out the bright light on planes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Compression Socks for Travel
• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Carry-on Backpacks
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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Best Travel Pillows: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Most people can agree long flights are no fun— but long trips without a high-quality travel pillow are even worse. Sure, you can try contorting your body to get comfortable enough to sleep, but nodding off on a plane is hard enough on its own. Plus, trying to get good sleep without a good pillow  can result in headaches, a stiff neck, and overall discomfort.

In this guide, we discuss the best travel pillows to help you get sound sleep on your next red-eye.

• Best Travel Pillows
• 1. Trtl Travel Pillow

Trtl’s travel pillow is one of our favorites because it has an entirely different design than most wrap-style pillows and offers scientifically proven ergonomic neck support.

Trtl is designed to hold your head upright in a better position than most standard travel pillows. It’s lightweight, only weighing half a pound, and easy to store.

To use it, wrap the Trtl pillow around your neck as you would a scarf, so it supports your head from all angles. Its internal structure stretches to create a hammock-like effect, allowing your head to rest without drooping too low.

The Trtl pillow features super-soft micro-fleece and a breathable mesh lining to keep you warm but not too warm. It’s also machine washable for convenient cleaning. You can buy the Trtl travel pillow from their website or Amazon, and it’s available in grey, black, red, and pink.

• 2. Travelrest® Nest™ Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Travelrest® makes several travel pillows, but we like their Nest™ pillow because it has a patented ergonomic design and comes with a 2-year warranty.

Travelrest®’s Nest™ pillow looks a lot like a standard U-shaped travel pillow, but it has a velcro strap that allows you to wrap and secure the pillow around your neck for all-around cushioning. It also has a divet in the top to fit snugly against most headrests.

The Nest™ pillow features a soft velour cover and thermo-sensitive, contouring memory foam inside. The foam inside molds perfectly to your neck to promote neutral alignment and prevents disruptive neck movements.

We recommend memory foam pillows  to those with chronic neck pain because memory foam alleviates pressure points, preventing new pains from forming, and Travelrest®’s memory foam pillows are some of the best.

For convenient transport, the Nest™ pillow can be compressed down to only a fourth of its original size and zipped away in its complementary drawstring “stuff sack.” This pillow is easy to wash, too, as the cover can be easily unzipped and thrown in the washer and dryer.

To get sound sleep when you’re not on the road, invest in a comfortable mattress. Read our guide for reviews of top-rated mattresses and find your next bed.

• 3. Huzi Design Infinity Pillow

Remember infinity scarves? People loved them because they were versatile and easy to use. Huzi expanded upon this well-liked concept to create a game-changing travel pillow.

Huzi’s Infinity Pillow wraps around your neck to offer cozy comfort, much like a scarf would. Its Mobius shape allows you to adjust it in a number of ways, making it compatible with most sleep habits. It features super-soft, breathable bamboo fabric and microfiber filling to keep you at a comfortable temperature.

The Infinity Pillow is naturally antibacterial, helping you fight the germs associated with public travel, and machine washable for easy cleaning. It’s available in pink, navy blue, burgundy, grey, and bright green.

You can purchase the Infinity Pillow on Amazon.

• 4. Cabeau Evolution S3® Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Cabeau makes a handful of travel pillows, but their newest and most recommended model is their Evolution S3®. Cabeau claims this pillow is the “world’s best engineered travel pillow.”

While we’re fans of the Cabeau pillow pillow, we like to think there isn’t one “best” pillow for all sleepers. However, if you’re a back sleeper or deal with chronic pain, these will likely feel the most comfortable for you.

Cabeau’s Evolution S3® is a U-shaped travel pillow. It has straps at the bottom to hold the two ends together around your neck, and straps on the top to secure the pillow to your headrest.

Because this pillow straps to your headrest, it prevents your head from dropping forward and keeps your airways open. It also has raised sides to prevent your head from bobbing back and forth with outside movement. Its very thin back offers cushion for your neck and shoulder muscles, allowing you to relax.

Their pillow features contouring memory foam and a moisture-wicking cover for cushioning and cool comfort. The cover is machine washable, too, and comes with a compact carrying case.

Cabeau offers a limited manufacturer’s warranty and a “No Neck Pain Guarantee” with each of their pillows. Their warranty covers material or workmanship defects, while their pain guarantee allows you to return the pillow for a full refund if you ever experience any pain while using it.

• 5. J-Pillow Chin and Neck Travel Pillow

The J-Pillow is perfect for sleepers sitting upright and offers head, chin, and neck support with its unique shape. It wraps around one side of your neck to fill the gap between your head and shoulders and give your neck cushioning support.

The J-Pillow is designed to help your neck muscles relax so you can fall asleep easier and get more undisturbed rest. Its shape also prevents your head from bobbing by keeping your neck stabilized.

Though this pillow doesn’t compress down, it includes a convenient snap-loop fastener so you can easily attach it to your luggage. It features a soft polyester cover and supportive filling.  The J-Pillow is also machine washable for easy cleaning.

You can find the J-Pillow exclusively on Amazon.

• 6. AirComfy Inflatable Daydreamer Travel Neck Pillow

We like AirComfy’s Inflatable Daydreamer Travel Neck Pillow because it has a built-in pump which  inflates the pillow in less than a minute. The Inflatable Daydreamer Neck Pillow is a U-shape but has a more ergonomic design to offer better neck support. The back “U” of the pillow has extra cushioning, allowing your head to rest comfortably straight up without falling too far backward.

AirComfy’s travel pillow has an ultra-soft velvet cover that can be easily removed and thrown in the washing machine. It also comes with a convenient Packsack for easy transport.

You can buy the AirComfy Daydreamer on Amazon, and it comes in dark blue, purple, pink, and grey color options. As far as we can see, the AirComfy pillow does not come with a warranty or sleep trial, but Amazon does offer free returns with the product.

• 7. Bcozzy Chin and Neck Supporting Travel Pillow

The Bcozzy Chin and Neck Supporting Travel Pillow wraps around your neck to keep your head supported from all angles.

It offers extra support for your chin to prevent your head from falling forward while you sleep, and its wrap-style design keeps your neck in place. It has a thinner back to allow your head to rest back more naturally, preventing stiffness or soreness.

Bcozzy stuffs their pillow with lightweight Hollow Conjugated Siliconized Polyester Fiber. The cover of their pillow is polyester, too. Plus, their pillow can go in the washer and dryer for easy cleaning.

The Bcozzy pillow is available exclusively on Amazon and comes in black, pink, navy, red, grey, purple, and apple-green.

• 8. Cloudz Microbead Cool Gel & Bamboo Travel Neck Pillow

The Cloudz Microbead Cool Gel & Bamboo Travel Neck Pillow is one of our more budget-friendly options, sold for only $15 on Amazon. It has a straightforward U-shape design and comes in five fun colors: blue, black, pink, grey, and camouflage.

The Cloudz travel pillow has a soft-to-the-touch cover with mesh lining on one side to prevent heat retention. Cloudz also infuses cooling gels directly below the cover of their pillow to help combat body heat.

Their cover is part polyester part spandex, and the inside filling is 100% polystyrene beads. Cloudz’s pillow conforms to your neck and offers sturdy support without crunching down like other microbead pillows.

• 9. Therm-a-Rest® Compressible Travel Pillow

Therm-a-Rest’s Compressible Travel Pillow is the only rectangle travel pillow on our list and is better suited for camping and not so much for sleeping sitting up. These pillows are also great for people who like to avoid hotel pillows and want to bring a clean bed pillow from home on trips.

As their name suggests, these pillows compress to a quarter of their size so they can be easily thrown in with your luggage. They come in small, medium, large, and extra large size options and seven different color and pattern options, including blue heather, cardinal, denim, gray, lichen, moon, and pistachio.

Therm-a-Rest’s travel pillow features a brushed polyester cover and shredded urethane foam filling. We’re fans of their brand because they offer a lifetime warranty with their pillows, backing their quality and protecting your investment.

You can find these pillows on Therm-a-Rest’s website, Amazon, or at most places you can buy camping gear, such as Cabela’s.

If you commonly experience aches and pains, read our guide on finding the best mattress for a bad back .

• 10. AERIS Travel Pillow

The last pillow on our list is the AERIS Travel Pillow, a U-shaped pillow that comes with earplugs and an eye mask to help you get completely undisturbed sleep. It has an incredibly soft velour cover that’s also removable for easy washing, and the inside is stuffed with solid memory foam.

The AERIS Travel Pillow offers contouring comfort and is great for sleepers with neck pains. It provides enough support to keep your neck stabilized. Plus, it’s easily moldable so it can be compressed down to fit in its corresponding travel bag.

You can buy the AERIS Travel Pillow on Amazon. While it doesn’t have a sleep trial, Amazon still allows returns should you find the AERIS isn’t comfortable for you.

• What is a Travel Pillow?

As you can imagine, travel pillows are smaller than standard bed pillows and are easy to take on-the-go. They’re perfect for long flights, road trips, camping, and more.

Because we’re not accustomed to sleeping in a vertical position, travel pillows are designed to help us get comfortable dozing off straight-up in a chair. Travel pillows can prevent uncomfortable neck aches and help you catch up on sleep to pass the time.

Traditional travel pillows come in a variety of shapes and sizes to offer different levels of comfort and support. However, they fall into two main categories: inflatable and non-inflatable. We then have hundreds of different options amongst those two categories.

Inflatable pillows take portability a step further and can completely deflate to fit into your carry-on. However, these are filled solely with air and may not be as comfortable as non-inflatable counterparts. Plus, you have to blow them up manually. While this may be inconvenient for some, these pillows are perfect for people who are concerned about luggage space.

Non-inflatable pillows vary widely. Some are stuffed with foams, others with microbeads, and they’re available in different styles. These aren’t as easy to transport; however, they usually offer better cushioning comfort.

• Types of Travel Pillows

There are several different types of travel pillows because what’s comfortable for one person may not work for another. We all have varying sleep needs, so it’s best to consider your personal preferences when choosing the best travel pillow for your next trip.

Whether you’re choosing an inflatable or non-inflatable travel pillow, they’re available in the following shapes:

When you hear the term “travel pillow,” chances are your mind goes to the U-shaped cushions you can pick up in nearly any airport terminal.  These offer gentle comfort for your neck, with the primary complaints about them mentioning their lack of chin support.

In an effort to innovate the standard U-shaped travel pillow, the J-shape was born. These were created to offer better chin support and prevent your head from drooping uncomfortably.

While many believe the J-shape travel pillow is significantly more comfortable, it’s a lot harder to transport unless it’s inflatable.

A wrap-style travel pillow looks a lot like a scarf. As the name implies, these wrap around your neck to offer all-around support. They are excellent at preventing your head from tilting side to side or bobbing up and down as a result of turbulence or a bump on the road.

Wrap-style travel pillows are usually the easiest to transport because they fold right up to fit in a back pocket or purse.

Hourglass travel pillows look like an hourglass turned on its side— they have two wider ends and a thin middle. They usually come with a strap or Velcro to attach to your headrest and offer a cushion for both your head and neck.

In comparison to other travel pillows, these are the most versatile. When you’re not on the road, these can double as comfortable knee pillows. Plus, for people with back pain, they can be placed below the small of your back for extra cushioning support.

Rectangular

Rectangular travel pillows are the least popular because they can’t hold your neck upright. These are very similar to the bed pillows you use at home but much smaller.

Many airlines hand out rectangular travel pillows to their passengers on long-haul flights as they’re relatively inexpensive, but they’re not the most comfortable. These get placed behind your head to offer a bit of cushion.

See Also: Memory Foam vs Microbead Travel Pillow

• What to Consider When Buying a Travel Pillow

A good travel pillow offers you comfortable neck support, is easy to stow away, is convenient to clean, and comes with reliable warranty coverage.

In this section, we discuss the factors to think about when choosing the most suitable travel pillow to meet your sleep needs.

It can be tricky finding the perfect sized travel pillow. On one hand, you want something that’s going to be comfortable, but at the same time, you need something that will be easy to transport.

If saving space is a major concern for you, you’re almost always better going with an inflatable travel pillow as they’re the easiest to compress and tuck away. However, if you can accommodate a non-inflatable travel pillow, we recommend choosing those over inflatable options due to their difference in comfort.

Above all, you should make sure your travel pillow fits your body type.  A travel pillow is no good if it’s not comfortable for your shoulders and neck. While it may seem obvious to point out, all of us have varying shoulder and head sizes. Make sure the dimensions of your next pillow are compatible with your upper body.

Cleaning Instructions

Like most public transportation, planes are filthy. They’re a breeding ground for germs, which you would expect of a vessel designed to transport large numbers of people far and wide.

To prevent yourself from catching a cold, or other germs, always wash your travel pillow between trips.

For the most convenient care, choose a pillow that’s machine washable. Choosing something that requires more careful cleaning can be tedious, and you’ll likely be less inclined to wash your pillow as often as you should.

Save yourself the hassle of spot or dry cleaning travel pillows and look for one that can be easily thrown in your washing machine and dryer for a quick refresher.

Your Preferred Sleeping Position

Your preference for stomach, back, or side sleeping doesn’t matter much when you’re sitting straight-up in an uncomfortable chair.  However, your at-home sleeping habits still contribute to your decision when choosing the most comfortable travel pillow.

Your sleeping position determines how your head typically rests at night. Back sleepers are used to snoozing with their head flat back on a pillow, side sleepers usually sleep with the side of their face on the pillow, and stomach sleepers typically turn their necks to either side to make it easier to breathe.

Knowing that, we can safely assume the following about different sleep preferences:

• Back sleepers will feel more comfortable with a pillow that allows them to rest looking straight forward, such as a U-shaped or hourglass pillow.
• Side sleepers will likely prefer a wrap-style or J-shaped pillow that lets them rest the side of their head on the pillow.
• Stomach sleepers should be most comfortable in wrap-style travel pillows as they’re best for accommodating people who tilt their necks or head while they sleep.

More often than not, travel pillows do not come with a warranty. Instead, many come with moneyback guarantees or return policies that let you try them out and return them if you’re dissatisfied.

However, during our search for high-quality travel pillows, we found the average warranty for travel pillows, if a company has one, is around two years.

Now, because your travel pillow likely won’t come with a warranty, you must buy one with high-quality materials and craftsmanship to get your money’s worth. While travel pillows aren’t as expensive as regular bed pillows, they can still be costly.

• Tips for Getting Good Sleep While Traveling

Beyond investing in a high-quality travel pillow, there are other things you can do during your trip to help you get good sleep and prevent jet lag.

• Buy a comfortable eye mask and set of earplugs. Nothing complements a travel pillow better than an eye mask and earplugs— this trio of sleep-promoting accessories can help you completely block out any outside noises, lights, and distractions to doze off undisturbed. If you’re not a fan of earplugs, noise-canceling headphones work just as well.
• Try to keep your spine aligned. It may seem unnatural to focus on your posture while you’re trying to fall asleep, but keeping your spine in a neutral position allows your muscles to relax and prevents pain build-up at your pressure points.
• Drink plenty of water. It’s always important to stay hydrated, but it’s especially important when you’re on the road. Traveling can be stressful, and drinking plenty of water helps prevent headaches, fatigue, cranky moods, and more.
• Pack the best foods for sleep. Most of us like to grab a bite to eat before boarding a plane or heading out on a long road trip. However, if you’re not smart about it, your pre-trip meal can hinder your potential shut-eye. Skip greasy, heavy food, and choose foods that will help you sleep better , such as almonds, bananas, and whole grains.
• Wear comfortable clothes. You wouldn’t put on your tightest pair of jeans to go on a road trip, would you? Set yourself up for comfort by dressing in your favorite clothes for lounging around. Loose-fitting clothing helps promote healthy blood flow, too— which is necessary when you’re sitting for long periods. Additionally, don’t forget to wear layers. Airplanes are usually cold, and a sweater or a good travel blanket can help mitigate discomfort.
• Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best travel pillow for long flights?

There’s no one travel pillow that’s right for everyone. An inflatable travel pillow might be the right option for you if you need to save on space; if not, you might want to choose a pillow that’s going to be more comfortable. A side sleeper might want a wrap pillow, while a back sleeper might want an hourglass pillow. Finding the right travel pillow for you often requires you to consider what size and shape you want, and how much care you want to invest in the pillow.

Are memory foam travel pillows good?

Memory foam can help you sleep better while you travel, just as the material can help you sleep better at home in bed. Memory foam conforms to your head and neck, supporting you without adding pressure. However, you might not be able to machine wash your memory foam pillow, which can make keeping the pillow clean much more difficult.

Do neck pillows help you sleep on a plane?

A neck pillow can help some travelers catch some much needed rest. Others may find that a neck pillow pushes their head too far forward for them to feel comfortable. For optimal comfort, you should look for a travel pillow that lets you mimic how you would sleep at home in bed.

Do pillows count as a carry-on?

Pillows normally don’t count toward the usual limit of one carry-on and one personal item. It’s a smart idea to check with an airline or travel service before you fly, however. Some airlines may impose size regulations on pillows.

What should I look for when buying pillows?

When you’re choosing a new pillow, you want to consider its materials, loft, firmness, and your sleeping position. Back sleepers often prefer a U-shaped or hourglass travel pillow, while side and stomach sleepers might want to look at wrap pillows. Side sleepers may also enjoy a J-shaped travel pillow.

It’s also a good idea to think about how you would clean and take care of your new pillow—many customers love a pillow that they can just throw in the washing machine.

• Did You Find Your Next Travel Pillow?

Traveling can be a burden, especially if you do it often. A good travel pillow is a perfect companion for long trips, helping you get peaceful, sound sleep and make the most of some of the most comfortable mattresses found in hotels and similar places.

We hope our guide has steered you towards the most comfortable travel pillow for your sleep needs. However, if you still need more information, read our other guides for better sleep tips and advice on how to choose the best sleep accessories for you.

Meg Riley is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer focused on sleep and mattresses. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Sleep Junkie.

Meg started to focus on the sleep industry in 2018. Since then, she has written over 70+ articles on sleep hygiene, product reviews, and the newest trends in the mattress and bedding industry.

A non-exhaustive list of some of the topics she has written on: the effectiveness of alarm clocks, how to prevent jet lag, the NREM & REM Sleep Cycle, and causes and treatments of Restless Legs Syndrome.

Meg Riley has her undergraduate degree from Pennsylvania State University where she studied Advertising and Public Relations and wrote articles on the student experience for College Magazine.

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Check out our mattress review guides to compare today’s top-rated options and find your perfect mattress.

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A few years ago, I literally bumped into Alexa Chung in the bathroom at Heathrow Airport. Even more than her stunning bone structure and gracious, extremely English apology, I was struck by the immense, cream-colored cable knit scarf wound around her neck; and from then on, I vowed never to embark on a journey without bringing along an immensely cozy scarf of my own. Equal parts security blanket, neck pillow, and accessory, the best travel scarves are made of soft, cuddly fabrics to keep you warm while in transit, though they’re not so bulky that they won’t fit in your carry-on if you choose to remove yours. Versatility is key, too. The ideal travel scarf can be repurposed into a blanket, wrap, or hood — whatever it takes to keep you comfortable in your seat.

Of course, you should also feel inclined to wear your scarf as an accessory when you arrive at your destination, so make sure the one you choose complements your travel capsule wardrobe . Finally, consider the climate at your destination. Beach vacations call for fabrics like viscose or cotton that keep you warm on the flight, but are breathable enough to wear on the ground; for a ski trip, you can opt for an unabashedly cozy scarf , like one made of wool or cashmere.

Complete your comfortable travel outfit with any of the best travel scarves, listed ahead.

This Clever Infinity Scarf With Hidden Pockets For Your Valuables

Thoughtfully designed with both comfort and security in mind, this travel scarf contains two hidden, zippered pockets where you can store valuables like your passport, credit cards, and hotel key. Snaps at both ends allow you to wear it as an infinity scarf, regular scarf, shawl, or makeshift hood, so it’s super versatile, to boot. Amazon reviewers rave about the buttery-soft feel and thick yet breathable knit material that keeps them cozy on the road — and confirm that the pockets are surprisingly roomy and virtually invisible. A+ across the board.

• Available colors: 2

A Classic Pashmina For Warm-Weather Travel

A classic pashmina , like this one from Calvin Klein, is the ultimate summer travel scarf, as far as I’m concerned. It’s lightweight and breathable, so it’ll keep you warm but not clammy. Plus, you can easily tuck it into your overstuffed travel bag, and since the viscose material has a naturally rumpled look to it, it won’t look messy if it creases a bit. This silky-soft scarf comes in 11 colors, like the sophisticated slate gray (printed in a tonal logo pattern) pictured above.

• Available colors: 11

A More Affordable Pashmina That’s As Smooth & Soft As Real Cashmere

According to its several thousand rave reviews, this fine-knit pashmina looks, feels, and drapes like real cashmere, so no one (including you) would believe it costs less than $15. Plus, the colors are sumptuous and true to the images online, not cheap-looking, so you can feel even more confident about getting one — or two — before your next trip.

• Available colors: 19

A Buttery-Soft Shawl Scarf With A Playful Tassel Trim

A punchy plaid print and fringed hem elevate this wrap scarf from a functional layering piece to a bonafide outfit-transformer — it’ll make your standard joggers-and-sneakers travel outfit feel a lot more polished. Of course, it’s incredibly cozy, too. One Amazon shopper wrote that it feels more “plush” in person than it appears to in the images, and another mentioned that it works overtime as a throw blanket tossed across their living room chair. If green isn’t your color, you can choose from eight other colorways, including a black-and-white buffalo plaid and a red tartan that’s perfect for holiday-season travel.

• Available colors: 9

This Versatile Poncho You Can Also Wear As A Scarf

With its discreet arm openings, generous size, and drapey, sweater-like material, this piece can be worn either as a poncho, a scarf, or a wrap; then, when you get to your plane or train seat, you can toss it over your lap as a blanket. A blend of wool, nylon, and acrylic strikes a nice balance between breathable and cozy, so it’ll become a staple in your transitional wardrobe, too, whether you’re at home or in the air. Choose from six elegant colors, like camel and cream.

• Available colors: 6

An Oversized Shawl Wrap That’s Like A Wearable Blanket

Some journeys call for a step up from a basic scarf and straight for a glorified blanket, precisely like this piece . It lands in some unspecified location along the poncho/shawl/wrap/scarf/cape/blanket spectrum: There’s a defined neck (cape?), semblance of arm holes (poncho?), and generous drape (blanket?), but the reversible, color-block design offers the illusion of structure and endless styling possibilities. It’s a must for long-haul flights or trips to chilly locations.

• Available colors: 44

A Lightweight Infinity Scarf That Packs Beautifully

This infinity scarf is made of a fluid jersey material, much like an extra-soft T-shirt, so it’s an ideal choice for summer travel. Beyond that, it’s an absolute dream to pack. It folds (or rolls, if you prefer the KonMari packing method) into a relatively compact square that tucks neatly among your things. No matter if you’re not particularly neat about it, though, as it’s clinically incapable of wrinkling. Amazon shoppers confirm that it holds up well in the wash — another important consideration in a travel scarf — so you’ll get great mileage out of this affordable piece.

• Available colors: 16

This Oversized Scarf In A Cozy Plaid Print

Everything about this scarf is peak coziness, from the large-format size (it measures 59-by-59 inches), to the autumnal plaid print, to the fuzzy-soft material that’s basically made for nuzzling against your cheek. The square shape is conducive to repurposing as a blanket, shawl, or wearing as a scarf in several ways. It comes in 26 plaid and tartan prints in varying colorways, so you’re guaranteed to find one that suits your wardrobe.

• Available colors: 26

Editor’s Pick: A Luxurious Cashmere Scarf That’ll Stand The Test Of Time

If you’re in the market for an investment piece, consider this luxurious cashmere scarf from White + Warren. It’s a go-to for our own Commerce Beauty Editor Adeline Duff , who raves about its supremely sumptuous feel and extra-large size. Though it’s pricey, the 100% cashmere construction is of the very best quality; and since it’s so versatile (you can wear it as a scarf, blanket, or wrap all year long, whether you’re traveling or at home), you’ll get excellent use out of it for years on end.

• Available colors: 5

You Might Also Like: This Impossibly Soft All-In-One Travel Set

This may look like an assuming little pouch , but tucked inside, you’ll find every accoutrement you need for a comfortable journey: A satin-lined eye mask, socks, and multipurpose wrap, all made of Barefoot Dreams’ signature plush, ultra-cuddly material. The pouch itself can be used as a pillow when you stuff the blanket inside. Or, better yet, stuff it with that scratchy airplane blanket so you can cuddle up in that divinely soft wrap.

• Available colors: 4

Best Travel Pillow Styles to Support Your Neck and Head for Better Sleep

Packing , Packing Tips , Travel Accessories

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When it comes to long plane rides, bus rides, train rides, or even car rides, you’ll want to have the best travel pillow. They provide head and neck support, helping you stay comfortable. There are many styles, depending on your needs. Our readers offer their favorite neck pillow so you’re sure to find the perfect fit.

Best Travel Pillow

Table of contents.

Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:

What is your favorite brand for a travel pillow?

A travel pillow is an essential accessory for many travelers, especially for long flights. Don’t make the mistake of picking up any random neck pillow for travel at the airport. Take the time to research which travels pillow will fit your needs and sleep preferences. There are many options, and you’ll want to check out our reader recommendations below to find which pillow is best for you!

Here are what our readers recommend as the best travel neck pillow

Cabeau Memory Foam “Evolution Pillow”

Best All-Around Travel Pillow

With the Cabeau plane pillow , you can adjust for perfect 360-degree support, whether your head leans left, right, or tends to fall forward. With a flattened rear cushion, it is perfect for all seats, making it the best travel neck pillow for long haul flights. Several of our readers swear by this headrest pillow!

One says, “Accept no other substitutes. My husband and I just got back from Fiji, and my husband actually slept, no head bobbing. This was a first, he’s never been able to sleep on long hauls. Now, we swear by this pillow, compression socks, and noise-canceling headphones for long hauls.”

Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or flying to your next vacation destination, the Cabeau Evolution pillow will allow comfort and stability for the entirety of your travels. Read our review of the Cabeau Air Evolution pillow !

Lewis N. Clark On Air Adjustable Pillow

Best Inflatable Travel Pillow

Lewis N. Clark is a popular travel brand, so it’s no surprise the company offers an amazing inflatable travel pillow . This inflatable pillow has a unique valve that makes it the easiest and fastest travel pillow to inflate and deflate. Inflate with just two breaths, deflate instantly.

One reader says, “The trick for me is to only inflate it about two-thirds or three-quarters full. If it’s fully inflated, the part behind the neck is too firm and pushes my head forward. If I don’t fully inflate it, the back squishes, so my head stays in a normal position but the wings are firm enough to keep my head upright.” Great tip to try!

Trtl Travel Pillow

Most Unique Travel Pillow

The Trtl pi l low isn’t exactly a headrest pillow in the traditional sense. It’s more of a wrap that offers neck support.

As one reader explains, “Here’s the deal with the Trtl — it’s really not a ‘pillow.’ When I stopped thinking of it as one, it made more sense. You don’t rest your head on it. What it does is it keeps your head from dropping, snapping, or bobbing forward when you fall asleep.”

A lot of times, staying asleep is harder than falling asleep because your head keeps falling or shifting, and your neck starts to ache. The best pillow for a neck, Trtl is designed to hold you in an ergonomic position for long periods of time.

Read our review of the Trtl pillow !

J-pillow Travel Pillow

Best Travel Pillow for Window Seats

The winner of the British Invention of the Year in 2013, the J-Pillow travel pillow’s unique shape was created for window seat sleeping. Along with traveling, it’s also perfect for relaxing at home, whether on the couch or reading in bed.

One reader says, “I have used this one and really like it!” Not only is it easy to carry, but it’s also hygienic. You can put the whole pillow in the washing machine, and it’ll be like new again!

Need help packing light? Get my e-book, Pack Light Stylishly to learn my tips and tricks for traveling carry-on only.

Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Best Affordable Travel Pillow

The Travelmate travel pillow is unlike anything on the market. This patent pending, newly released and improved version has a built-in removable insert so you can adjust the thickness of the pillow based on your personal preference and sitting positions, helping to support your neck and head in perfect alignment.

One reader calls it a “classic,” saying, “It’s my go-to neck pillow for travel.” You now can sleep soundly even if you are sitting up with this airplane pillow!

Use packing cubes to help you organize and even compress your belongings to maximize your space.

Crafty World Deluxe Comfort Master Pillow

Best Supportive Travel Pillow

Sleep peacefully all throughout your flight or journey with the Crafty World Pillow . It’s the perfect companion for those traveling in planes, cars, trains, buses, and more. This comfortable travel pillow provides optimal neck and shoulder support to give you a more relaxing trip.

One reviewer says, “I have bought every neck pillow under the sun. This pillow is easily the best travel neck pillow I have ever used. I used this pillow for an eight-hour flight, and I arrived at my destination feeling well rested and pain-free.” Music to our ears, and comfort to our necks!

World’s Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow

Best Hypoallergenic Travel Pillow

The World’s Travel Pillow offers superior neck support and ultra-plush comfort, all at a budget-friendly cost. Filled with feather-soft microfiber, this pillow offers a hypoallergenic and machine washable alternative to down-filled pillows. It’s perfect for travel, lounging at home, or therapeutic neck support.

Take it from one reviewer who says, “I used this on a 36-hour bus ride (vertical the whole trip, no beds!) from Kansas to Washington, D.C., and it was great. I was a little nervous it’d be too firm or overstuffed, but even as someone with a short neck, I got a solid night’s sleep every night (I tended to flip it around rather than use it behind my head).”

U-Shaped Cordless Electric Travel Pillow

Best Massage Travel Pillow

This U-Shaped Cordless Electric travel pillow provides great head, neck, and shoulder support for maximum comfort. It has four massage nodes that replicate a real-life massage. Get ready for some serious kneading, pressing, or rubbing techniques for continuous, personalized comfort.

Its dense memory cotton gives support of the head and neck, accommodating both seated and reclined passengers in airplanes, trains, and autos. It reduces aches, pains, and the awkward sleep positions of travel. Best of all, the long-lasting battery means you don’t need to plug it in when using.

As one reviewer says, “This one is perfect, fit, and comfortable. The fabric is so smooth, and it is a rechargeable product, so it’s convenient for travel too.”

Huzi Infinity Pillow Scarf

Best Dual Purpose Travel Pillow

Although this isn’t technically a travel pillow, many of our readers named Huzi pillow scarf as favorite. Invented by a massage therapist, this scarf provides upper-body support and counterbalance for the arms, neck, and head for relaxation.

One reader tells us, “The Huzi scarf worked great for me on our three-week trip to the British Isles, in planes, trains, buses, and a ferry. I used the new pillow insert for it. Cradled my neck perfectly.” Another says, “I swear by the Huzi scarf. Keeps me aligned (need to have the insert in) and I have neck disc issues.”

BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow with Chin Support

Best Comfort Travel Pillow

The BCOZZY Chin Supporting Home Neck Brace Pillow relieves pressure and reduces tiredness as it greatly improves the quality of sleep. It also stimulates blood circulation, eliminates muscle tension, and reduces restlessness while you sleep. It can be used on planes, trains, buses, or cars, whether you’re working on your laptop or taking a nap.

One reader says, “I love this one! And it rolls up neatly into its own pouch.”

Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Inflatable Neck Pillow

Best Lightweight Travel Pillow

The Sea to Summit Aeros is a featherweight, easy option that’s only 1.8 ounces! It’s ergonomically designed to support the neck but the more narrow center also allows room to fit against a headrest without pitching your head forward. Made of comfy fabric, it’s easy to inflate in only a few breaths! One reviewer says, “ This is the best travel pillow I’ve ever had. So lightweight! I use it for napping when my wrecked neck bothers me. The support is great, never jacking your head or neck forward, and so easy to inflate and deflate.”

Best Travel Pillow Product Comparison Chart

Here’s a comparison chart for the best travel pillow:

What is a Travel Pillow?

A travel pillow, in the simplest sense, is a compact pillow that you can use to rest more comfortably on planes, trains, or in cars. They can be made from a variety of materials, such as plush or cotton, and be in different shapes, from doughnuts and U-shapes to standard rectangles and squares.

What are the Different Types of Travel Pillows?

There are two main types of travel pillows — inflatable and non-inflatable. I always keep my inflatable air pillow in my day bag on travel days. I can inflate it when needed, and it is easy to store when not in use. It doesn’t take up any space at all and is feather light. After a trip (or during a long one) just throw the cover in the washer and hang to dry.

The only cons when it comes to inflatable neck pillows is that they pop easily.

What Are the Best Travel Pillows to Buy?

There are a number of brands and styles of airplane neck pillows, from popular travel brands like Lewis N. Clark to the famous Trtl . Most of the time, it’s best to look for a style of travel pillow you like versus buying based on a brand.

What do you think is the best travel pillow? Comment below!

Check out these related articles on other travel accessories!

• Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
• Best Reading Device for Travel
• Best Travel Water Bottles
• Essentials You Need to Take on an Airplane

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We hope you learned how to choose the best travel pillow with this article. Please share on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest! Thank you!

I don’t rest well on the planes in general. I bought a feet sling and liked it. Now I want to try the Trtl pillow or the Huzi Infinity pillow scarf. Both look comfortable.

I just bought the Cabeau Evolution Cooling Travel Pillow, similar to the one pictured, but mine has “vents” on the side. I super excited to try it out on my long flight I’m taking in November. It was a little pricey, but I think it will be worth it. Also, if you register the pillow on their site and if you lose your pillow, they will send you another one for free!

Somehow, I’ve never tried a travel pillow before, but I think I’ll need one for an upcoming trip. I have high hopes for the Trtl but will possibly try some others!

Thanks for the recommendations! I tried the cabeau on a recent trip and loved it!

I like this one. Found it at TKMaxx for about 10 euros. The first use is a bit tricky. But after this die it is really great.

Wow that’s awesome 🙂 It adds extra support which is super important!

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A stonemason is a skilled professional who works with stone to create structures, sculptures, and decorative elements.

They shape, arrange, and install stones, and also specialize in stone restoration, carving, lettering, and maintenance.

Stonemasons can be hired in Elektrostal' by private homeowners for services such as stone installation, restoration, custom stone work, landscaping, hardscaping, and stone maintenance.

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Benefits of hiring a certified stonemason in Elektrostal':

• Expert Craftsmanship: Stonemasons ensure a precise installation, avoiding mistakes or damage.
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By hiring a certified stonemason, you benefit from their craftsmanship, structural integrity, aesthetics, durability, heritage preservation, cost-effectiveness, and increased property value.

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