cushion lab ergonomic travel pillow

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Editor's Choice by Business Insider, Tripadvisor, Washington Post, People, and Travel + Leisure.

The Ergonomic Travel Pillow features an asymmetric shape that surrounds your neck and softly cradles your face to offer you award-winning sleep comfort on your travels.

• 360 Face Cradle Soft, face-cradling bolster rotates around your neck for full freedom on where you want to lean and rest.
• Ultra Compact Footprint Rolls up and straps down to 1/4 of the size for ultra-portability.
• Travel Pouch with Carabiner Protective pouch keeps your pillow clean and clips to your bag or backpack to keep your hands free.

Dimension:  9 L x 10 W x 5 H inches, 0.8lb. 

*Choose Medium if you are 5'7" and below with average build, and choose Large if you are 5'8"+ or simply prefer more sleeping support

"Editor's Choice Award - The best travel pillow in 2019"

"2020 Gift Guide - The Tesla of travel pillows"

"Brings comfort to another level!"

"The essential road trip gear for your next epic drive!"

Award-winning cloud-like cushioning

Enjoy a soft, gentle face cradle for restful sleep on the go.

Comfort meets ultra-portability

It takes mere seconds to pack, clips to your bag and is tiny in footprint.

Business travelers , minimal packing jetsetters , any traveller  or commuter  of short or long distance through plane, boat, train, or car that is looking for better rest to minimize jet lag.

This pillow is designed for those looking for head and chin support to relieve neck pressure while allowing for comfortable face cushion and relaxed sleep.

• 65% Polyester 35% Cotton outer panel, 93% Cotton 7% Spandex inner panel outer shell.
• 100% Extra dense Hyperfoam™, CertiPUR-US certified premium visco elastic memory foam.
• 100% Polyester elastic strap
• 100% Polyester storage bag
• 100% Aluminum carabiner clip This pillow comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Learn more.

Washing - The Travel Pillow comes with a conveniently removable hypoallergenic cover that is machine washable to keep your pillow clean and looking fresh.

Drying - Air dry only.

*The memory foam pillow core is not washable.

Free shipping is included  for the 48 contiguous United States. We charge a flat shipping rate for Alaska and Hawaii. 

We ship on weekdays from our warehouses in Fontana, CA, and Louisville, KY, whichever is closer to you, to speed up the shipping time. Weekend orders will ship on Monday, and all orders should arrive in 2~5 business days. 

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We tested four (more) travel pillows. One ruled them all.

Inflatable, squishy, bendy and scarf-like: we took more neck pillows on the road to find the best.

Unless you’re in business or first class, transit sleep is never going to be your most restful snooze. The atmosphere is too disruptive, and the neighbors too loud. The seats? Not your bed — not even close.

To help make your bad sleep better, there’s the humble travel pillow — or, rather, countless humble travel pillows. The internet is overloaded with options to choose from, from the old-school models with beanbag fillings to the avant-garde . A few years ago, we put four to the test to see which were worth your money and carry-on space, and now we’re running it back with four more.

For this round, I polled my social media followers for their favorites and picked a few of the highest-rated on Amazon (whose founder, Jeff Bezos, owns The Washington Post). I gave them a spin on cross-country flights in economy, an hour-long ride to the airport and the way-back seat of a minivan on a six-hour road trip . (Prices listed are from our time of purchase.)

Snugl travel pillow, $42.95

The Snugl came highly recommended by a frequent-flying photographer friend. It’s robust, plush and silky, like a hybrid of the Cabeau Evolution Classic neck pillow and the Cushion Lab ergonomic travel pillow , but shapelier.

It wasn’t an immediate hit, although I did nap a little wearing the Snugl on a car ride. I could have used some more support, and I found it bulky. (One plus is the memory-foam material smushes down for more compact carrying.) Then I got home, and discovered I was missing out on a better way to wear it.

You naturally gravitate toward leaning your head against the Snugl’s higher, rounded side — that way the logo faces up, so it seems right, plus it looks like a little cup for your cheek. But you can actually wear it four different ways, according to its website: conventional, front position, reversed and over the shoulder. Three of those four have the pillow flipped, logo down, with that rounded side against your chest, back or shoulder. That flip is critical to reducing neck bend. It was a whole new pillow.

I was ready to write the Snugl off, and will now give it another chance; it has the potential to be truly great. The lesson is true for many neck pillows: There’s probably another way you could be wearing it that’s more comfortable. We actually often wear neck pillows backward; the fasteners are supposed to go in the back, usually.

Dot & Dot bendable memory-foam travel pillow, $19.99

The Dot & Dot bendable memory-foam travel pillow , which is kind of like a pool noodle with its malleable spine, is the cheapest of our roundup. You can remove its cotton cover to wash it, just in case you nap too hard and drool a little.

I packed the Dot & Dot for my six-hour trip in the back of the minivan that called for a 5:30 a.m. wake-up but spent most of the ride feeling uncompelled to use it. It was just ... fine. Not big enough to add much value, no matter which way I wrangled it.

But I was confused; I chose it for its high ratings on Amazon. So when I got back from the trip, I pulled up the reviews. It turns out, a lot of people also felt “meh” about the pillow but still gave it high ratings anyway. Many people rated the pillow highly for using it in a hotel bed , not upright on a plane or car. Lesson learned: Star ratings do not tell the whole story.

Sunany inflatable neck pillow, $23.99

On the glowing recommendations of a few travelers on social media, I ordered the Sunany inflatable neck pillow . Unlike the others, this one promises comfort by way of leaning forward onto a blowup head rest that you place on your lap or tray table, complete with a face hole like a massage table. On a backbreaking long-haul flight, I can see the appeal.

On a medium-haul, however, I felt highly silly inflating my ginormous flotation device. I got a lot of curious looks as the gray mass ballooned. It was too big for me (I’m 5-foot-4), so my head kept creeping deeper into the face hole, leading to some discomfort.

If I were taking a red-eye or international adventure and could find a smaller model, I would be bullish on this pillow. It inflates fast and packs down tiny, and give you a place to lean forward and tuck your arms, blocks out light and relieves back pain.

Trtl, $49.99

The most expensive of the bunch, the Trtl has a loyal following of passionate fans. I know this because whenever I’ve mentioned the words “neck pillow” in real life or on social media, people sing its praises. I ignored their hype for years. Made of a bendable piece of plastic stuffed in a fleece cloth that wraps around your neck, the “pillow” is supposed to look like a discreet scarf but reminded me too much of the boho chic vibe of music-festivalgoers in 2013.

Then I put on a Trtl in the back seat of an hour-long Uber ride to the airport and slept for 55 minutes straight. Then I slept again wearing it on a flight. Best yet: It takes up a fraction of the space in my carry-on compared with the other cushiony options.

In our last pillow test, the Cabeau Evolution Classic neck pillow was the winner. However, I found myself taking the Cushion Lab ergonomic travel pillow , which we also tested, on 90 percent of my trips instead. But the Trtl beats them both. It’s simply the smallest option with the best support, period. And if I’m flying to faraway continents, I may throw in a smaller Sunany dupe as well.

Cushion Lab Review: Customizable Contouring Comfort

As someone who‘s struggled with neck stiffness, back pain, and restless sleep over the years, finding the right pillow often felt like an endless search. The squishy down varieties looked luxurious but offered zero support. Basic memory foams cradled my head well but slept hot and flattened overnight. And while I wanted the pain relief promised by ergonomic contours, they rarely fit my frame properly.

Enter Cushion Lab – founded in 2018 by orthopedic engineers to merge personalized comfort with therapeutic spinal alignment. Using proprietary hyper-elastic foams to precision-target pressure points, their pillows and cushions aim to correctly position the body for recovery while sleeping or sitting.

Do these ergonomic products live up to their lofty goals for customers like us? After months of testing as an enthusiastic yet skeptical side sleeper, I can safely vouch for Cushion Lab as the pinnacle for adjustable contour support. Keep reading for the full review!

Overview of Cushion Lab‘s Offerings & Benefits

Unlike mainstream pillow-in-a-box startups focusing on market size over medical efficacy, Cushion Lab obsesses over the details of materials science and human anatomy. Their compact but targeted catalog contains embellishment-free products optimized specifically for orthopedic needs. Expect no clever names or excess choice – just meaningful variation to meaningful problems.

Cushion Lab‘s three main pillow collections target different areas:

Spine Support : Ergonomic and adjustable pillows promote neck, back and shoulder alignment while sleeping. Materials like shredded memory foam and structured hyper-foam conform closely to physiology.

Seat Cushions : From portable supports for office chairs to car seats, these contours properly position your spine, tailbone and pressure points while sitting. Breathable covers increase airflow.

Travel : Compressible pillows provide on-the-go comfort and prevent strains when flying or camping. The adjustable toggles allow a custom neck fit.

While sparse compared to brands offering every shape under the sun, this selectivity ensures quality materials and construction aimed squarely at therapeutic correctness over fluffy decadence.

The Materials & Sourcing

All Cushion Lab foam contains CertiPUR-US seals verifying durability along with low VOC emissions. As leaders in the ethically-sourced space, their foams, fabrics and fibers include:

Recycled Plastic Bottles : HyperFoam PBDE-free memory foam uses upcycled polyester fill made from recycled bottles and manufacturing waste.

Organic Cotton Covers : OEKO-TEX certified woven cotton wraps the foam for soft, breathable comfort without harmful dyes or bleach.

Tencel Lyocell Cases : Derived from fast-growing eucalyptus wood pulp, lyocell covers offer ultra-softness to mimic luxury down while regulating heat and wicking moisture.

By combining high-performance, responsibly-sourced materials into sleep-perfecting designs, Cushion Lab ensures an effective user experience matching ethical ideals.

Cushion Lab Pillow Review: Custom Contours for Bespoke Comfort

To directly test Cushion Lab‘s promises of personalized perfection, I reviewed two of their top-rated ergonomic pillows as a lifetime side-sleeper struggling with early morning neck stiffness:

Cooling Contour Pillow : With structured hyperfoam in a U-shape for adjustable height and firmness cradling the neck, their top-seller aimed to meet my exact needs. I chose the Cooling version for its sweat-resistant Tencel cover in hopes of easier breathing.

Adjustable Shredded Foam : For nights wanting a softer feel, this custom filler pillow with breathable memory foam scraps in a mesh case provided variability. Removing fills adjusts height anywhere between three to five inches.

After a month flipping between both for daily use, here‘s my hands-on assessment:

Freshly opening the vacuum-sealed Cushion Lab boxes released noticeable off-gassing odors, which I largely expected from memory foam. However, the smell fully disappeared after 72 hours of airing out by a window, matching Cushion Lab‘s website guidance. No other residue or irregularities marred the cases and covers.

Shape & Size

True to specifications, the structured Contour measured two inches taller than the starting five-inch thickness of the shredded adjustable model, but both provided sizes tailored better to adults than one-size molds. I especially appreciated the taller height keeping my neck properly elevated as a side sleeper. The dimensions accommodated by queen-sized bed frame without issue.

Feel & Firmness

The medium density memory foam felt initially firmer than down alternatives but avoided that concrete-like rigidity of cheaper polyfoam pillows. The shredded model allowed easy tweaking for personalized preferences on a given night, though I settled on the medium fullness as optimal for my average proportions. The rigid contour unsurprisingly lacked adjustments but its sculpted shape supported better than moldable cushions.

Temperature Regulation

The promised cooling covers indeed maintained a neutral climate even during hot summer weather in my A/C-less apartment. Unlike foam options lacking ventilation, no extra heat built up across the nights. The Tencel covers wicked away humidity when needed while the perforated inner foam boosted airflow.

Effectiveness

This pair worked wonders at improving two chronic issues – neck tightness in the mornings plus tossing and turning from uneven head/spine alignments while sleeping on the side. Customizing the exact height for spinal positioning made all the difference over one-size lumps. The tailored contours kept everything aligned, avoiding tweaked nerves, numb arms and morning headaches. Proper elevation also minimized wrinkles by reducing face smushing into a flat pillow.

Over three months of nightly use, the pillows maintained their structures, indentation resistance and loft consistency with no apparent degradation. No sags or rips occurred in the mesh casings or fabric covers from normal pressure. The materials feel built to last years under normal care. For the price, outstanding quality.

Given their medical focus over padding alone, Cushion Lab prices higher than Facebook-ad pillows but competes aggressively with rivals like Tempurpedic using similar foams and designs. For their clinical effectiveness at improving my sleep issues without needless replacement, both pillows delivered value recouping their price tag through daily pain and stress relief.

For side sleepers struggling with discomfort from contour-less pillows yet afraid of change, Cushion Lab‘s straddle between customization and correction makes all the difference. No more compromises between cushy and supportive. Their materials choices, tailored sizing options and commitment to ethical ideals at each production stage results in personalized products giving bespoke comfort night after night. Both the Adjustable and Contour collections stand highly recommended.

Cushion Lab Back Cushion Review: Portable Posture Perfection

Beyond contour pillows, Cushion Lab‘s back cushions aim squarely at reinforcing sagging midsections from prolonged sitting – that inevitable modern stress exacerbating muscle tightness and spinal misalignment.

As someone racking up the desk hours between grad school studies and freelance writing gigs, I gave their best-selling Back Relief Lumbar Cushion a shot at improving my seated posture.

First Impressions

Freshly unboxed, the back support cushion sports a pronounced air-filled orthotic shape resembling a rounded spine. An elastic strap secures it firmly against chair backs without shifting or bunching. Weighing under three pounds, its design stays portable enough for office use rather than solely couches. The exterior cotton cover and interior high-density foam feel suitably durable and supportive.

Sizing & Positioning

With measurements of 13" x 12" x 4.7", Cushion Lab smartly avoids the excess height causing crowding issues from other lumbar pads. This model extends just shy of my shoulder blades while sitting up properly – ideal for stabilizing the lower curvature of an average male back without impeding movement or looking obtrusive.

The elastic strapping adjusts in length for both vertical and horizontal positioning against varied chairs. I mainly tested against my basic home office seat as well as a car seat back.

Performance & Comfort

The back cushion‘s sculpted shape excels at keeping the pelvis slightly forward with a rear tilt to minimize spinal compression. This avoided slouching down with rounded shoulders and poor neck angle. By filling the lower back gap consistently over hours, I avoided debilitating tightness from strained erector spinae muscles.

The foam density balances thick support while still conforming to the user‘s anatomy using body heat instead of flat padding. Combined with the breathable cotton cover, sweating and overheating proved no issue even during a hot Tampa summer. No moisture built up across long study sessions.

Health Benefits

While hard to quantify objectively, the improved seated posture remarkably minimized chronic stiffness and dull aches by the end of my days hunched over books. Precise spinal reinforcement prevented compressed discs and nerves which often trigger these pains related to poor desk ergonomics. The cushion helps sustain the spine‘s natural alignment the way proper sleeping postures benefit long-term neck and back health.

Portability

The back support cushion‘s lightweight design and discretion helps it portable to the office or even on road trips when using unsupportive car seats for extended drives. The elastic strap secures reliably to minimize shifting when repositioning against various chairs. For those needing posture support away from home offices, Cushion Lab builds transportability into the construction.

Across three months of mixed use – from lengthy study sessions to impromptu couch reading on weekends – no wear or structural damage occurred to the straps or casing. The stabilizing foam kept its rigid fill shape without flattening from weight pressure. This construction rivals pricier rivals suggesting replacements every year or so. Expect multiple years of service before considering a swap.

Value Proposition

With consistent industry awards for effective orthopedic design year over year, Cushion Lab gets recognized for quantifiable therapeutic benefits over mere cosmetic frills. For those seeking significant spinal corrections over basic cushioning against budget options, the value outweighs the premium price that partly reflects American production costs. Consider it an ergonomic investment towards improved posture and mobility lasting years.

Cushion Lab‘s Back Relief Lumbar Cushion keeps you correctly positioned for hours when sitting improperly strains the back‘s structure. Its portable profile with adjustable straps secures firmly across varied chairs without limiting movement or looking awkward. Stabilizing lower spinal alignment avoids compressed nerves, tense muscles and poor posture regardless of your activity. For those fighting chronic tightness or debilitating flare-ups from excessive sitting, it effectively minimizes pain triggers.

Cushion Lab vs. Competitors: How Do They Compare?

Skeptical buyers often wonder how Cushion Lab stacks up against rival brands when researching orthopedic pillows or back cushions. Here‘s a detailed features comparison:

Vs. Purple : Both Cushion Lab and Purple make quality pillows and seat cushions with a focus on comfort and customization. However, Purple uses a unique polymer grid array while Cushion Lab sticks to memory foams. Cushion Lab also focuses more specifically on therapeutic ergonomic shapes over one-design-fits-all.

Vs. Tempurpedic : As one of the original memory foam brands, Tempurpedic offers comparable materials quality with some similar contour designs. However, they focus heavily on mattresses over portable cushions and travel pillows. Their products also tend to trap more heat than Cushion Lab‘s cooling-optimized options.

Vs. Coop : For pillows allowing adjustable fills like Cushion Lab, Coop offers comparable shredded and solid memory foam options tailored to different sleep positions. However, Cushion Lab offers more focused ergonomic shapes by sleep type while Coop sticks to a one-design-fits-all approach.

Among these options, Cushion Lab hits an accessible sweet spot between customization and correction – keeping prices reasonable by specializing in sleep-perfecting designs over aesthetic frills or excess choice overload. Their brand focuses squarely on tailored therapeutic comfort.

Bottom Line: Who Should Buy From Cushion Lab?

After months of first-hand testing aimed at improving my own back and neck discomfort, Cushion Lab delivered measurable posture support and pain relief results by honing an orthopedic focus over generic cushioning. Materials innovations like cooling-regulated covers demonstrate their commitment to comfort.

As a brand, they aim clearly at three main demographics who struggle with discomfort from poor sleeping or sitting support:

🌟 Side Sleepers : Their ergonomic contours keeps your spine correctly aligned to avoid numbing arms or stiff necks. Materials choices work well for those running hot.

🌟 Back Pain & Posture Sufferers : Structured cushions reinforce the lower spine‘s natural curvature to minimize muscle tightness and disc compression whether sitting or lying.

🌟 Athletes & Active Folks : Enhanced circulation and muscular recovery comes from improved spinal positions during downtime. No more undoing your hard work through poor posture.

For shoppers seeking optimal anatomical positioning support and pain relief over basic padding, Cushion Lab Products deliver measurable wellness benefits. I notice the difference in daily limberness and energy. While more costly than flimsy budget picks, you invest in lasting quality able to stand the test of time and use.

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The Best Travel Pillow

By Sabrina Imbler

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

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

Everything we recommend

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.

We’re independently supported by our readers and we may earn a commission when you buy through our links.

What are you looking for?

Search ideas for you, cushion lab review.

Susie Johnson

Table of Contents

About Cushion Lab

Are you tired of constant back pain and discomfort while sitting at your desk? This Cushion Lab review will tell you everything you need to know about the American brand that designs ergonomic memory foam pillows. 

Made with sustainable materials, such as organic cotton and bamboo fiber, Cushion Lab has been a hot topic in The Daily Beast , Self Magazine, and Real Simple . They have also garnered a substantial social media following with 15.5k followers on Instagram and over 6k likes on Facebook. 

Interested in learning more about this pillow brand that puts comfort and support at the forefront? This Cushion Labs review will take an in-depth look at the brand and its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more, in order to help you decide if their specially designed pillows are really worth a try. 

Overview of Cushion Lab

The Cushion Lab launched in 2018 with the mission to make Americans more comfortable and living with better support, whether at their desk, home, traveling or even in bed with ergonomically designed sleep pillows. 

This American company has also vowed to be as sustainable and ethical with their sourcing as possible as their pillows are crafted with 100% recycled polyester taken from recycled bottles. They also only work with organic cottons and bamboo fibers. Every product is designed and shipped out of California with production overseas. 

Now that we’ve covered the background of this American ergonomically designed support pillow brand, let’s take a look through some of the highlights in shopping with Cushion Lab. 

• Ergonomic memory foam pillows designed by experts 
• Free ground shipping 
• Cushion Lab products come with a 1-year warranty
• Easy removable covers that are machine washable 
• AfterPay financing available 
• Sustainably-made using organic or recycled materials 

Now that we’ve taken you through some of the highlights to shopping the brand, it’s time to dig into the product reviews and really investigate what it is that Cushion Lab has to offer! 

Cushion Lab Sleep Review

There’s nothing better than sinking your head into your hotel pillow at night… but what if you could have that same comfort every night at home?

It’s important to have the right support for your head and neck and prevent issues. And that’s exactly where the Cushion Lab sleep pillows come into play. Let’s take a look at their best-sellers. 

Cushion Lab Neck Relief Ergonomic Cervical Pillow Review

Are you waking up with neck pain with your pillow nowhere to be found in the morning? Check out the Cushion Lab Neck Relief Ergonomic Cervical Pillow . 

This medium-firm ergonomically designed sleep pillow was made to gently support the head while allowing the neck to stretch naturally with proper alignment. It is made of Cushion Lab’s Hyperfoam memory foam which contours your head and neck while remaining breathable. 

The Cushion Lab Neck Relief Ergonomic Cervical Pillow is currently priced at $65 (down from $85 ). 

Cushion Lab Cooling Neck Support Contour Pillow Review

If you know that there’s no better feeling than flipping your pillow over to the cool side but want a bit more support at night, check out the Cushion Lab Cooling Neck Support Contour Pillow . 

This firm pillow is ergonomically designed to support both your neck and head during rest hours and it features unique side bolsters to help relieve your shoulders of any pressure as you comfortably go between back- and side-sleep. 

The cooling cover is meant to help keep your head and neck fresh as it repels any moisture that might build up during those heated sleep hours. 

The Cushion Lab Cooling Neck Support Contour Pillow is priced at $65 (down from $80 ). 

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillow Review

Are you on the hunt for a contour pillow that seamlessly supports your head and neck? The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillow does just that. 

This pillow has a medium-soft firmness, but due to the contouring Hyperfoam memory foam, it allows for your head to comfortably and ergonomically reposition in a supportive manner dozens of times through the night. 

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillow is priced at $42 . 

Cushion Lab Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow Review

Do you love the feeling of a fluffy down pillow but need the support of memory foam? The Cushion Lab Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow offers a balance of luxury that you can sink into without losing the support.

This adjustable pillow will never go flat on you since it’s made with Cushion Lab’s Hyperfoam that braces and cushions your neck and head. You can even add or remove fill to achieve the pillow of your dreams.

The Cushion Lab Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow is priced at $52 (down from $62 ). 

Cushion Lab Work Review

Whether you’re still working from home or have finally returned to the office, spending hours sitting in an uncomfortable office chair takes a toll on your body.

If you’re ready to invest in your office setup for your back and neck, check out Cushion Lab’s top-sellers for the workplace. 

Cushion Lab Back Relief Lumbar Pillow Review

Whether you’re sitting at your desk or working from the kitchen table, the Cushion Lab Back Relief Lumbar Pillow was designed by the in-house team of ergonomists to make any set-up a little more comfortable. 

The unique design supports the spine, lower back, and upper back with Hyperfoam memory foam. This is a game changer for those who spend the day sitting. 

The Cushion Lab Back Relief Lumbar Pillow is priced at $64 (down from $72 ). 

Cushion Lab Pressure Relief Seat Cushion Review

At some point in the work day, we’ve all experienced S.B.S… Sore Butt Syndrome! You know, constant back pain and poor posture? It’s time to fix that with the Cushion Lab Pressure Relief Seat Cushion . 

Available in a variety of fun colors, the Cushion Lab seat cushion was designed to relieve the back and spine while taking pressure off your sitz bones. It contours to the shape of your bottom to evenly distribute your weight across the entire cushion. 

The Cushion Lab Seat Cushion is priced at $69 (down from $79 ). 

Cushion Lab Travel Review

We all know that the only thing worse than a crying baby on a plane is trying to find a comfortable position for your neck on a long flight. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular Cushion Lab travel neck pillows available for purchase. 

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow Review

Do you love to nap on the go but hate waking up to a sore neck? The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow helps alleviate chronic issues that are common for routine travelers. 

Available in four different colors, the Cushion Lab Travel Neck Pillow was ergonomically designed to support your neck and get rid of the strain with a 360 degree wrap-around style. 

It is easy to adjust the pillow for your style of sleep and it collapses down to a smaller size that fits into a safety travel pouch. 

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow is priced at $49 (down from $55 ).

Who Is Cushion Lab For? 

Cushion Lab designs their products for the customer who prioritizes ergonomic support in their sleep, work day, and travel life. If you experience neck or back pain after sitting or sleeping, this is a brand that focuses on your needs. 

The memory foam pillows from Cushion Lab are designed to bring comfort and support to your everyday routines. If you’re ready to invest in head, neck, and lumbar support, you should check out their products. 

Comparison: Cushion Lab vs. Purple

This wouldn’t be a complete Cushion Lab review without taking a look at the competition. 

The mattress and pillow brand, Purple , has products made with unique aerospace materials for softness, comfort and durability. The brand is run by a rocket scientist and tech comfort genius. 

Let’s take a look at some of the similarities between Cushion Lab and Purple: 

• Cushion Lab and Purple sell ergonomic pillows and seat cushions
• Both websites have a sale section 
• Positive Purple and Cushion Lab reviews establish both brands as trustworthy 

There are some ways in which these two brands differ though. Let’s look: 

• Purple expanded into mattresses almost 10 years ago, whereas Cushion Lab focuses on pillows, seat cushions and lumbar support
• Purple offers discounts such as military, first responder, and education discounts 
• Purple pillows are significantly more expensive than Cushion Lab 

Overall, these two brands do offer similar products. If you’re shopping for a new mattress, however, Purple can help you out. On the other hand, if ergonomic memory foam pillows are at the top of your list, Cushion Lab is less expensive with just as many positive reviews. 

Cushion Lab Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

Alright, let’s talk about reputation. This Cushion Lab review knows that you can tell a lot about a brand based on what their customers have to say. It’s time to take a look at comments from people who have already taken the plunge. 

First up, let’s head over to the Cushion Lab website and see how some of their most popular products are rated. 

• The Cushion Lab Neck Relief Ergonomic Cervical Pillow: an average of 4.8/5 stars with 156 reviews and one customer calling it “the perfect pillow”
• The Cushion Lab Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow: an average of 4.8/5 stars with 186 Cushion Lab reviews 
• The Cushion Lab Lumbar Pillow: an average of 4.8/5 stars with  500 reviews and one customer saying “it goes everywhere with me!”
• The Cushion Lab Seat Cushion: an average of 4.8/5 stars with 1,355 reviews 
• The Cushion Lab Side Sleeper Knee Pillow: an average of 4.8/5 stars with 307 reviews 

One thing that stood out in the many positive Cushion Lab reviews left by satisfied customers on their website is that there is something available for every kind of sleeper on their website. 

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Contour Memory Foam Pillow sits at an average of 4.8/5 stars with 44 reviews. One customer left a 5/5 star review that spoke to his experience sleeping with this supportive pillow: 

“I’m a side sleeper and [have] been looking for a comfy pillow for so long. Tried a lot of different ones but none [are] like this one. The curved edge keeps my head and neck in position so that my head won’t slide off the pillow during sleep, and the height is high enough to keep my spine straight when I sleep on my side.” 

Since working from home has become the new long-term routine, people are setting up their home offices to support their backs and bums. Checking out the Cushion Lab Lumbar Pillow on Amazon, it has gathered 4.4/5 stars with 1,046 Cushion Lab reviews. 

A lot of customers have left comments about how this lumbar support pillow works well due to the dense material and unique ergonomic design. One customer that left a 5/5 star review commented that: 

“ When I first received it, I thought “what a funky looking back cushion!” I strap it down and sit down in my office chair, wow perfection! The support is not like the other ones that feel like a throw pillow. This one props up my lower back and lets me sit upright, it even reduces my shoulder strain due to no longer slouching. 

After the first day of using it my lower back feels much relieved, my mid-back was slightly sore much like after a good massage. The day after, I had no more soreness or any tightness in my back.”

As far as customer service goes with this brand, there are lots of Cushion Lab reviews from customers stating that any issues were dealt with in a speedy and friendly manner.

Many commented on fast delivery times as well. One customer left a comment on the Cushion Lab Facebook page that said: 

“Wow. Amazing comfort. I’m already feeling the difference in the way I’m sitting which makes my PT Nurse happy!! The service was also amazing, fast and efficient. I forgot to specify that I wanted them both in the lovely light blue and accidentally ordered one in gray and one in blue so I emailed them and they adjusted my order now that’s good customer service! ”

It appears that, overall, customers are happy to shop with this ergonomic memory foam comfort pillow brand with unique supportive design and exemplary customer service. 

Is Cushion Lab Worth It?

If you have dealt with throbbing back pain on the regular or a crick in your neck that just doesn’t want to go away, Cushion Lab’s ergonomic memory foam pillows are designed for everyday use to help correct ongoing issues and ultimately lead to better posture . 

Since the website features regular sales, the price tag isn’t much of an issue. Plus, the Cushion Lab reviews left by satisfied customers establishes the brand as one that is well worth it. Especially if you’re someone looking for an everyday tool to help get you through the work day, while on-the-go, or even achieve a better night’s sleep . 

Cushion Lab Promotions & Discounts 

If you love a good deal, there are few ways to save money while shopping on the Cushion Lab website: 

• They offer free ground shipping on all orders to every state (excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
• You can also shop their sale section to find items up to 33% off the regular price 
• If you sign up to receive Cushion Lab newsletters, you will also receive exclusive offers and promotions to your inbox 

Where to Buy Cushion Lab

Tired of being sore after a day of sitting? You can shop exclusively for Cushion Lab pillows and other products on their website: thecushionlab.com . 

You can also find their products on Amazon, Goop, Nordstrom and various sleep and pillow retailers across North America. 

Where is Cushion Lab made? 

All Cushion Lab pillows are designed in California and responsibly made in China using 100% CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. Cushion Lab products ship out from their warehouse in Fontana, CA. 

What is Cushion Lab’s Shipping Policy?

Cushion Lab offers free ground shipping to 48 states, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. There is a flat shipping fee for both of those states which is calculated at checkout. 

Expedited shipping is available at checkout with extra fees. 

Cushion Lab does not currently offer international shipping, but they are hoping to change that in the future. 

There may be some delays in shipping at this time due to Covid-19, but once you have placed your Cushion Lab order, they usually ship out from the warehouse in 1 – 3 business days. Orders do not ship out on weekends. 

Once your order has been shipped, you will receive email confirmation with your tracking number. You can also track your order on the website here . 

What is Cushion Lab’s Return Policy?

Cushion Lab offers their customers 30 days from the date of purchase to return their item for a full refund. 

There are a few steps to take to begin your return. First, email Cushion Lab at [email protected] with the subject line: “return.” 

Cushion Lab asks that you provide the order number for the item you want to return as well as your full name. Returned packages are not accepted without an email request. 

Cushion Lab asks that you send your return order back in its original packaging and that your item is in original condition. Once your return has been approved, you will receive an email with a PDF of a RMA label. All customers are responsible for their return shipping fees. You must print it off and attach it to your return package. 

All return orders must be sent to: 

UPS eFulfillment CA

16270 Jurupa Ave, Suite 200

Fontana, CA 92337 

Once Cushion Lab has received your return order, you will receive confirmation of your refund. It will take approximately 3 – 5 business days for your refund to be processed in its original payment form. 

Exchanges are available as well, but customers need to reach out to the customer support team in order to begin their exchange process. 

Any item that has been marked as final sale is not eligible for an exchange or return. 

How to Contact Cushion Lab

You can reach out to the team at Cushion Lab in a number of different ways: 

• Phone 1-833-688-1186 between the hours of 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, or 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday 
• Email the team at: [email protected]  
• Fill out a contact form on the website here

Check out similar brands you might like:

Nectar Mattress Review

Helix Mattress Review

Polysleep Review

Avocado Green Mattress Review

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• People Tested

The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our favorite gives luxury travel pillows a run for their money

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Things to Consider

How We Tested

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Marcus Millan

Whether you get there by plane, train, or automobile, traveling can be a taxing experience. But the right head and neck support can make your journey much more enjoyable, especially if you're boarding a long flight. We're talking about travel pillows, of course, which come in a range of styles, sizes, and materials. "There are tons of different types," says award-winning travel host Valerie Joy Wilson of Trusted Travel Girl. "Some will cushion around your neck, and some just go on the side of your neck."

So, what makes some better than others? "Comfort is the number one thing," says travel expert Rana Good, explaining that a high-quality cushion should help you get some sleep and not wake up in pain. "Also, hygiene is a big factor." In other words, an easy-to-clean design is ideal.

We tested 24 top-rated pillows to find the most comfortable, portable, durable, low-maintenance options. After trying them out in real-life settings, including flights, train rides, and road trips, we narrowed it down to options worth buying.

Keep reading for the best travel pillows PEOPLE tested.

Best Overall

Cabeau evolution classic travel pillow.

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

Cloud-like memory foam conforms to shape of head and neck

Supportive but not too soft or firm

Conveniently machine-washable cover

Clasps come undone easily

Clocking perfect scores in all our tests, the Cabeau Evolution Classic is by far our favorite travel pillow. A perfect option for plane travel, we loved how the responsive memory foam conformed to our heads and necks. Not too soft or too firm with excellent support, laying down on it was like dozing off on a cloud. And when you're done using it, it quickly regains its normal shape. Our tester wore this on two ten-hour flights and now packs it every time she travels.

If you're watching an in-flight movie, reading a book, or just relaxing, this cushion will make the experience much more comfortable. It seems well-made too. Though the velour exterior is removable and machine-washable, it doesn't shift around when zipped onto the pillow. There are also handy toggle clasps on the front to ensure it stays in position while allowing you to hook it to your luggage. The clasps come undone kind of easily, but in the end, this is a minor drawback.

"I personally love Cabeau memory foam neck pillows," says Wilson. The Evolution Classic is very reasonably priced and gives higher-end options a run for their money. It did its job and exceeded our expectations for comfort, durability, and portability. We'd recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality on-the-go neck pillow. Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Velour

People / Daniela Galvez

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Quality 4 /5

Comfortable and supportive for long trips

Microbeads conform to the shape of head and neck

Soft, breathable, tear-resistant exterior

Cover isn't removable for washing

Doesn't compress; not easy to pack in luggage

On a budget? The Cloudz Original Travel Pillow is a solid choice. After trying it out on a six-hour flight and a three-hour train ride, we're happy to report it's exceptionally comfortable and supportive. The ultra-soft fabric seems tear-resistant and breathable too. Though it doesn't compress, it's filled with lightweight microbeads that conform to the shape of your neck and head. 

The Cloudz Pillow isn't the best option for packing in a carry-on or backpack, but we liked how the clasp keeps it in place when walking around. You can also attach it to your suitcase or underseat luggage . Although this travel pillow doesn't have a removable cover, the exterior is easy to spot-clean. Affordable price aside, we'd recommend this product to anyone going on a long flight, train ride, or road trip. Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4 inches | Core Material: Foam beads | Cover Material: Polyester

Best Splurge

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

• Quality 5 /5

Wrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feel

Supports neck and chin while preventing stiffness

Compresses to about half its size

Can get a little warm after a few hours

If you're willing to pay a little extra for the best of the best, go with Ostrichpillow. The brand's Go Neck Pillow is one of the few options that earned perfect scores in all testing categories. After using it on a short domestic flight and a long international flight, we were sold on the comfortable design. It feels like wrapping a marshmallow around your neck.

This wrap-around neck cushion has a memory foam core, a soft and stretchy machine-washable cover, and adjustable velcro closure for a custom fit. It supported our necks and chins, keeping our heads securely in place while sitting upright and preventing stiffness. Not only that, but the Go Neck Pillow compresses to about half its size for compact packing . And thanks to the modern design, you won't feel dorky wearing it. The only potential downside is that it gets slightly warm after a few hours. Still, we think it's well worth the investment, especially if you travel often. Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 x 3 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Viscose, elastomer

People / Susan Brickell

Best Neck Support

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

Unique shape with ear divot supports from the side

Easy to sleep upright almost anywhere

Entire pillow is machine-washable

Oddly shaped; can't walk with it on neck

Cover isn't removable

If it's neck support you're after, the J-Pillow has your name on it. After using it on a 19-hour car ride, we awarded it perfect scores in all categories. We loved the responsive memory foam core and unique J shape. The clever design is meant to go on one side of your head, almost like you're leaning on someone's shoulder. There's also a little divot for your ear. This makes it easy to take a nap, no matter where you're seated.

Unlike C-shaped pillows, you can't really walk around with it on your neck, but you could attach the included carry bag to your suitcase. The exterior is soft and plush, and we didn't notice any loose strings or snags. And while it doesn't have a removable cover, the entire thing is machine-washable. Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 8 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Poly-blend fabric

People / Jennifer May

Best Compact

Aeris memory foam travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

Easily compresses into bag half its size

Provides ideal balance of plushness and support

Perfect for naps on road trips and flights

Might be slightly too firm for longer trips

The Aeris Travel Pillow isn't technically the smallest option on our list. However, it's made of compressible memory foam and fits into an included carrying bag half its size. Stuffing it into the bag was a breeze. But that's not the only thing we liked about this neck cushion.

After trying it out on a six-hour road trip and a five-hour flight, we can tell you it provides an ideal balance of softness and support. Since the memory foam is on the firmer side, you may not want to sleep with it for longer periods. Still, it's perfect for in-transit naps. The super-soft velour cover features high-quality stitching and a sturdy zipper, allowing you to remove and wash it as needed. All things considered, this is an excellent travel pillow with a very reasonable price tag. Dimensions: 13.5 x 11 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Velour

People / Anna Popp

Most Versatile

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

• Portability 4 /5

Lofty yet conveniently compressible; packs into itself

Feels almost like real bed pillow

Perfect for flights, camping, and on-the-go naps

Only comes in patterned designs

Prefer more of a standard shape? This one's for you. We used the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow Cinch round-trip for cross-country air travel, on a camping trip, and even for a few naps at home. We were blown away by how comfortable it is, thanks to the lofty core and soft, breathable exterior. Filled with a blend of shredded foam and poly fibers, it feels almost like a real bed pillow.

What's more, the compressible design packs into itself for compact transport and fluffs back up when you're ready to use it. Besides being immensely comfy and highly portable, we like that this travel cushion is made of upcycled and recycled materials. We wish it came in a few solid, neutral hues, but other than that, no complaints. Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 7 inches, 18 x 13 x 6 inches, 15 x 11 x 5 inches | Core Material: Shredded foam, poly fibers | Cover Material: Polyester

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Preserves hair and prevents skin creases

Substantial feel that doesn't go flat

Can be used en route or sleeping in bed

Not compact; may need to be "personal item"

No removable case; laundry bag sold separately

If you want to pull out all the stops in preserving your blowout or keeping skin creases at bay while you nap on the go, it's worth bringing a mini silk pillow. We tried this one from Gingerlily and were immediately impressed by the overall quality — the exterior was sumptuously smooth with no loose threads or fraying. It has a substantial feel that resists going flat. A great option to use on a plane, train, or car ride, it helped us stay comfy for a five-hour excursion and kept our hair sleek and frizz-free. We wish this pillow came with a removable case. While the whole thing is machine-washable, the laundry bag is sold separately.

We like how it's shaped like a regular bed pillow. Although not as big, it's still larger than most travel pillows, so you may need to bring it as your "personal item" for plane travel rather than packing it. However, if you're a silk pillowcase devotee at home, this pillow is substantial enough that you could use it not just en route but also at night at your hotel or vacation rental. And, if self-care is your love language, then this can also make for a great Valentine's Day gift option . Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Core Material: Mulberry silk, polyester | Cover Material: Mulberry silk

Best Durable

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Quality 4.8 /5

Plush yet supportive with soft, cozy exterior

Prevents head bobbing while sleeping upright

Durable design stands up to wear and tear

Extra-thick design may take getting used to

Cover isn't as soft after washing

The high-quality design of Cabeau's Evolution TNE S3 Pillow was apparent right off the bat. It's plush yet supportive with a super soft and cozy exterior that never makes you feel hot or stuffy. Since it's on the thicker side, it felt a little odd at first while we got into a comfortable position. But once we got used to it, we were sold. The chin and headrest straps keep it secure, but it stays in place and prevents your head from bobbing around even if you don't use them.

We used this travel pillow for the duration of a 12-day trip, including on planes, trains, and buses. By the last day, it looked just as good as when we pulled it out of the packaging. Though it seems bulky at first, it folds into a compact ball and fits easily into the included carrying case. You can also attach it to a carry-on suitcase or bag using the clip. The removable cover lost some softness after washing it, but not much. Backed by a one-year warranty, the TNE S3 Pillow seems like it'll hold up for a long time. The value is undeniable, so it's definitely worth the investment. Dimensions: 11 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester, microsuede

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Prevents heat from getting trapped; good for hot sleepers

Supportive and firm but not too hard

Durable design retains shape through repeated compressing

Awkward to position at first

Outer fabric isn't as soft as others we tried

We also liked Cabeau's Evolution Cool Pillow. An ideal choice for people who sleep hot or get night sweats and regularly use cooling pillows at home, the airy, ventilated design is supposed to prevent heat from getting trapped in the memory foam. After trying it out firsthand, we can tell you it works as promised. We found this neck cushion to be extremely supportive and firm but not too hard. It's slightly awkward to position at first, but rest assured, you'll be able to sleep upright on a plane — even in the middle seat.

Though the exterior is soft, it's not the softest option we tried. Still, we appreciate that the zippered cover is removable and machine-washable. This travel pillow also compresses to fit in its included storage bag and maintains its original shape after being repeatedly rolled and unrolled. It's durable, likely long-lasting, and, most importantly, helps you doze comfortably in a seated position without getting stuffy. Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow

• Comfort 4 /5

Thoughtful ergonomic design with adjustable fit

Supports chin and head to keep neck strain at bay

Continuously comfortable for long hours

Snug fit takes some getting used to

Carabiner too small to attach to luggage

Cushion Lab's take on the travel pillow is this semi-firm C-shaped number. The ergonomic design is very snug, almost like a neck brace, though the strap allows you to adjust the fit. While the shape may take some getting used to, it's not uncomfortable at all. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Made of high-density foam and memory foam, it supports your chin, prevents your head from bobbing around, and promises to minimize neck strain.

We were able to sleep comfortably on long car rides and train rides, with no neck pain to speak of afterward. This travel pillow has a machine-washable cover and a handy carrying bag with a carabiner clip. It rolls up easily into the bag, but unfortunately, the clip is a little too small to attach to luggage — it should hook to a purse, backpack, or weekender bag though. If you have a hard time getting comfortable enough to doze off on trains, planes, or cars, this portable pillow might be a game-changer. Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 5 inches, 9 x 8 x 4 inches | Core Material: High-density foam, memory foam | Cover Material: Cotton-poly blend

People / Alessandra Amodio

Things to Consider Before Buying a Travel Pillow

"The most common travel pillow you'll see at the airport is the [C-shaped] neck pillow," says Good. "A lot of people wear them around their necks as they board." The idea is that the curved design props up your chin and prevents your head from bobbing around while you sleep, ultimately preventing neck strain.

You'll also find J-shaped cushions (like the J-Pillow Travel Pillow ), which are supposed to go on one side of your head rather than around your neck. Then there are rectangular options that are more like a smaller version of a bed pillow, such as the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow .

Travel pillows designed to conform to the shape of your head and neck are often made out of responsive materials, such as memory foam or foam microbeads. Similar to full-sized foam pillows , you can go with high-density foam if you prefer more support and something with shredded foam or poly fibers if you like a softer feel.

The exterior matters, too. In addition to being soft against your skin, the best travel pillows have easy-to-clean cases. Ideally, it should be removable, machine-washable, and dryer-friendly (like our best overall pick, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow ).

Portability

Lastly, think about portability. Despite the size, Good says the best travel pillows can be "stored neatly in your bag" next to other travel accessories , like your wired earbuds and a blackout sleep mask . This could mean it's small or compresses down into a compact shape. Some come with carrying cases that hook to your luggage, and C-shaped designs can be worn around your neck if they don't fit anywhere else — it probably won't count as your "one personal item." And of course, you can keep it in your bag in a compressed case and pull it out once you're settled into your seat.

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow , while the most expensive on the list, was rated 5/5 by our tester. If your budget allows, investing in a more expensive pillow like this one will surely keep your neck and head comfortable during your travels, which we certainly think is worth the price. However, there are still plenty of options we recommend, like the Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow , that still provide high quality and comfort at a more approachable price point.

It certainly adds a layer of convenience if your travel pillow is machine washable, especially if you have access to a washer/dryer during your travels. However, not being machine-washable won’t necessarily affect the travel pillow’s comfort and performance. In some cases, cushions without removable covers can be machine-washed as well. If not, you'll need to hand-wash or spot-clean your pillow. We made sure that any pillow we recommended that wasn't machine washable was easy to spot-clean, such as the Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow .

After researching today's best travel pillows, we selected 24 options to try firsthand. After taking them out of the packaging, reviewing the instructions, and assessing the designs, we brought them along on actual plane flights, train rides, bus rides, and road trips to see how they'd perform in real-life settings.

We evaluated the softness, sturdiness, and maintenance requirements of the materials, then considered the size and whether the pillows were compressible. We used them for two or more consecutive hours (often much longer) on multiple trips. We noted the support, if we were able to fall asleep, and whether we were left feeling sore. After rating each pillow for quality, comfort, portability, durability, and value, those with the highest scores were chosen for this story.

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in travel, lifestyle, and sleep products. To compile this roundup, she combed through our testing insights and ratings for each product. She also interviewed travel expert Rana Good and Valerie Joy Wilson of Trusted Travel Girl for their expertise on what makes a good travel pillow.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

Related Articles

The best gear to make long flights less miserable

We’re supposed to appreciate the journey as much as the destination , but that’s a hard task when the journey can be a leg-cramping, back-breaking, neck-cricking experience during a long-haul flight in economy. If you don’t have the luxury of a premier seat, you’re stuck in unforgiving seats for hours, bumping elbows and knees with neighbors.

While you can pony up cash for more legroom, investing in a few pieces of travel gear may better for your bank account. For the price of a seat selection, you can find gadgets that claim to help you sleep better , sit more comfortably or shut out your fellow fliers. But the amount of products out there can be overwhelming. You need to find a compromise between comfort and practicality — whatever you pack, you also have to carry.

So what’s worth your money and luggage space? With a handful of flights on my calendar (from D.C. to Vegas , a few long flights to Asia and a weekend trip to Montreal), I tested eight products to find out.

1. A footrest hammock, $25

For $24.99, I felt like the fanciest person in coach, thanks to the “ Airplane Footrest ,” an accessory that’s intended to relieve back and leg discomfort. It was soothing as soon as I slipped my feet in the hammock on my 15½ hour flight from New York to South Korea. I’ve never noticed your body absorbs a slight vibration when your feet are on the plane floor. The lightly padded hammock eliminated all rumbling, giving me a full-body equivalent of putting on noise-canceling headphones.

The manufacturer claims it’s suitable for all heights, but at 5-foot-4, I can’t speak for tall travelers. What I do know is that it came in a flat bag, unfolded easily and could be clipped into place in a minute (you lower your tray table , hang the sling straps on the table’s hinges, then fold the tray table back up). It was perfect for the window seat , and maybe the middle if you knew the person in the window seat. But when I had an aisle seat on a redeye from Vietnam to Japan , I skipped the sling so my neighbors wouldn’t feel trapped.

Throughout the flight, I adjusted the sling higher and lower for different effects. It did seem to relieve back aches and give me more variety in my sleeping positions . As with any plane sleeping position, you can’t stay in any one forever without experiencing discomfort. My knee ligaments felt like they were going to tear after five or six hours into my sling-sleeping attempts, so I’d recommend taking your feet out from time to time to stretch.

2. Headphones for seat-back entertainment, $17

When you’re lucky enough to get an seat-back entertainment screen these days, you don’t want to get stuck with the complimentary headphones airlines pass out on long flights. Unless you’re in first class, they’re dinky and poor quality, not a fit for re-watching “A Star is Born.” Popular cordless Bluetooth headphones or iPhone headphones with lightning connectors don’t work with in-flight entertainment systems, so you have to pack a good old-fashioned 3.5mm audio jack. I keep a pair of $16.99 ones in my laptop bag so I never leave them behind.

3. A silky but supportive neck pillow, $55

I’ve tried a bunch of neck pillows and changed my mind over the years about which one is best. These days, I travel with the Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow , $55 (when it’s not on sale). It’s made of squishy “hyperfoam,” an “extra dense, dynamically rebounding, proprietary memory foam,” silky and smooth, not super bulky but still supportive.

If there’s any potential for sleep on an airplane, I’m packing this neck pillow. It’s a nonnegotiable, even if it’s just to soften a brutal 6 a.m. departure. On all of my test flights, I either used it in the traditional way (fastened around my neck, clasp in the back) or folded up like a cinnamon roll and wedged against the plane wall. I’ve never regretted packing it once. When I’m not using it on a flight or train or long car ride, I store it with my clothes in a compression bag in my luggage. (If you’re not traveling with compression bags, you’re missing out.)

4. A no-frills, comfortable eye mask, $22

We know lights are detrimental to good sleep, which makes tiny ones particularly annoying in hotel rooms, so packing an eye mask is key to getting better sleep on a flight and your trip. Not only do they block out cabin lights or the glow of your neighbor’s laptop, but they also act as a signal to your body that it’s time to sleep.

I tried two options. First, the “3D Contoured Cup Sleeping Mask & Blindfold ” I use at home that’s raised so it doesn’t put pressure on your eyelids ($21.99). And second, this pair of “ Sleep Headphones ,” ($22.89) an eye mask with built in Bluetooth headphones. After flying with both, I’d skip the high-tech model; on an 8 a.m. flight, I had to keep adjusting the position of the speakers, which distracted from trying to sleep. Meanwhile, the low-tech mask did its job seamlessly and helped me sleep for hours at a time.

5. Highly rated compression socks, $19

Compression socks are another low-tech flex that help with blood circulation. I went with the moisture wicking “ Physix Gear Sport Women’s Modern ,” ($18.57) the top seller on Amazon. Putting them on made me feel like an old-timey Victorian woman fastening her stockings, but they always kept my legs snug. I overheard a few women at the Bangkok airport talking about their swollen feet after our flight, and took stock of my own. They had swelled a little, but not enough to cause discomfort. The socks had been a success.

6. An ergonomic seat for less backaches, $50+

Celebrity personal trainer Ashley Borden once told me that she always travels with a BackJoy Posture Plus seat because “you can get up from a plane and you do not have back pain.” It’s an ergonomic seat that creates an active sitting position and corrects the position of the pelvis, and as someone who’s been having searing back pain on long flights, I was happy to investigate.

After a round trip to Vegas with my BackJoy SitSmart Pro Relief Gel model ($59.99), I was sold. I felt no pain — zero; just some inconvenience from having to carry it around. The seat was light (only about a pound) but much bigger than a laptop and rigid. Borden straps hers to her backpack, so I used a carabiner to fasten mine to my carry-on bag. For my Asia trip, I got the smaller BackJoy Posture Seat Pad ($49.99) hoping it’d be less cumbersome. It was, but it didn’t deliver the same bliss and wasn’t worth carrying around for two weeks, so I cut my losses and left it at the airport in Bangkok.

Bottom line: The Pro Relief did work wonders. I’d recommend it for quick business trips where you know you have to work on long flights. But I wouldn’t schlep one on a vacation, particularly when traveling light.