Having tested the Travel Pillow on numerous flights, train transfers and road trips, I was keenly aware that not all shapes and materials are equal. A good travel pillow stabilizes and supports the head and neck when taking a nap while sitting down. Even better, it’s easy to store and carry, and has travel-friendly features such as cooling vents and modular design.
To avoid picking expensive, disappointing products sold at airports, the Product Radar team tested a total of 48 travel pillows. We evaluated comfort, ease of use, portability, quality and overall value. The products that received the highest ratings in all categories were selected for this list. My favorite is the Ostrichpillow Go neck pillow, which I love so much that I am stationed at the reliable Béis Weekendar. It’s fluffy and has a solid support feel, and its compact size allows you to carry it anywhere, from train transfers to northern New York to overnight flights to Paris. Don’t be surprised if I wear this while commuting by subway.
Do you prefer classic U-shaped or traditional rectangular pillows? We offer a proven choice. From the ultra-compact type to the solid design that firmly supports your neck and boasts excellent comfort, please take a look at my carefully selected travel pillow recommendations.
Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam
I immediately liked the feel and fit of the Travel Rest Nest Ultimate Memory Form. This adopts the shape and design of traditional travel pillows. The high-quality memory foam fits comfortably on the neck and shoulders, and the microfiber cover is surprisingly soft and comfortable. Although it firmly supported the head, there was no pressure, and it was a comfortable feeling of use.
The textured back of this pillow helped to hold the position in place, and it worked well in the test. The Travel Rest Nest pillow can be easily compressed to one-fourth of its original size and fits in a small storage pouch. It is easy to carry and can be kept clean in the bag. The cover is removable and can be washed by a washing machine. This is also one of the features that you should look for in a travel pillow.
It has a Velcro strap on the front, but it is not as adjustable as other pillows we have tested. It may be slightly larger for small people because it supports one size. The price of $40 is average for a travel pillow of this quality.
Trtl Travel Pillow
The Trtl Travel Pillow is lightweight and thin and can be folded compactly for neat storage in the included waterproof bag. Unique ergonomic design that is different from other brands we have tested. It is different from a typical U-shaped travel pillow. The Trtl has support parts inside, with one side against the neck and jaw, and a soft, hypoallergenic fabric wrapped like a scarf and fixed with Velcro. Velcro’s stickiness is very high and is an important factor that ensures the durability of the product.
It can be washed in a washing machine and is also excellent in quick drying. Just remove the plastic insert in advance. When I tried the Trtl for the first time on a long drive, it took a little longer to wrap it comfortably, but eventually it was comfortable enough to forget its existence. While holding my head firmly, I did not feel a sense of blockage that I felt with a thick travel pillow.
My tester and I are very different in height, but we both felt comfortable fitting around the neck. Trtl has also developed the Trtl Pillow Plus, which is equipped with a height adjustment function that supports small to tall people with twist adjustment. We also offer a cooling travel pillow made of materials with excellent air permeability and temperature control for hot weather. Trtl Travel Pillow is expensive at $60, but I think it’s worth it.
napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling
This airplane pillow wraps around your neck and releases your chin. It prevents the head from falling forward and relieves neck pain during movement. Unlike other travel pillows, it firmly supports and protects your neck while traveling by plane, car, train or bus.
The napfun ERGONOMOR Travel Pillow is made of high-quality memory foam and features 5-second recovery technology. It combines comfort and durability. Headrest pillows are designed for portability and comfort. The included portable travel bag can be stored compactly.
Cirorld Adjustable Travel Neck Pillow
Circold has a shape similar to Cabeau, but has a fairly short side and a significantly lower cushioning. The outer fabric is soft to the touch, and the memory foam fits well to the shape of the head. It may be preferred by short adults and people with short necks, but neck support is hardly expected in tall adults. The body type is different for each person, so we adopted a design that can be easily sized with a push button. This ensures that your neck fits in any sleeping position, and your head and chin are firmly supported for a more comfortable sleep. It is smaller, softer and more foldable than regular pillows. It can be easily stored in the attached storage bag and can be stored in a backpack or suitcase. You can easily carry it anywhere.
The high-quality memory foam filling makes it softer and effectively relieves neck pain during travel. The memory foam is lined to prevent dirt and oxidation. Note: The foam part cannot be washed and direct sunlight is not allowed. Store in an airy place.
This travel pillow is made of soft velvet fabric and magnetic therapy fabric, breathable and comfortable. The pillowcase is removable and washable directly in the washing machine.
This soft neck pillow has a more flat back design, which prevents the head from being pushed forward when leaning against the back, and keeps the head in the right position. This will make it more comfortable to sit down and rest.
Bcozzy Neck Pillow
Bcozy is an adjustable travel pillow with a flat back shape that doesn’t push your head or neck forward like a thick pillow. It can be worn in a variety of ways, and I felt comfortable in any sleeping position. Wrapped around the neck like a traditional travel pillow, it doubly supports the jaw and prevents the head from falling forward while maintaining the neck posture. When you want to rest on your side, you can fold this deformable pillow in half and place it on your shoulder. Owen Poole, a sleep specialist at CNET, also uses the pillow during his desk work.
Bcozzy is available in multiple sizes and also offers super soft and comfortable options for kids. My experienced tester rated the XL size to suit me, and I found the L size to fit better. It can be easily pushed into the included storage pouch, making it easy to carry and keep clean. In addition, the Bcozzy Neck Pillow is fully washable without removing the cover. The manufacturer recommends putting them in a pillowcase, washing them with cold water and a weak stream, and drying them naturally.
Our Test Process
For comfort, ease of use, quality, portability, durability and overall value, we tested 48 different travel pillows on long-distance flights and road trips. From classic U-shaped designs to standard rectangular styles, we appreciate pillows of all shapes and sizes. Each pillow has also been tested for features that claim to be travel-friendly, such as cooling, jaw straps, and convenient accessories. The top-pick products maintained their shape stably after storage and were quickly restored without damage.
Tips for Choosing a Travel Pillow
Head and neck support as a top priority
Everyone has the experience of falling asleep on a plane, train, or car. To minimize strain on the neck, it is important to choose a travel pillow that firmly supports the head, jaw, and neck. Without proper support, the head can tilt forward or to the side, which can cause neck pain and headaches. Travel pillows should provide firm support for the neck without feeling squeezed or blocked. If you want more solid support, Memory Foam Pillows are recommended. It has better shape retention than air-filled or microbead pillows. These types are soft and suitable for travelers who prefer a slightly soft feel during sleep.
Consider the most frequent modes of transportation
When choosing a travel pillow, it is important to think mainly about where to use it, as it can vary in shape, size, and style. Do you plan to use it mainly on a plane? In this case, you should also take into account your seating preferences. If you prefer window seats, a classic rectangular pillow that is pressed against the side of the fuselage is suitable. If you’re often in the middle or aisle seat, we recommend a pillow that can be adjusted and propped against the tray table, such as the infinity style that firmly supports the head and the memory form type.
Travel pillows are useful in addition to flights. It’s perfect for camping or staying at a hotel as a substitute for a pillow at home. For long trips by car or bus, this is truly a revolutionary item.
Portability is Key
Lighten the load For me, it is imperative that the additional accessories take up only a minimum of space in the bag. Travel pillows are lightweight and easy to mount outside the bag to maximize storage space. All pillows on this list are relatively compact, with some being very compressible and others not. The less compressible type comes with a carrying strap and clip-on case for easy carrying at crowded airports.
Frequently asked questions about Travel Pillow
Why should I use a travel pillow?
Travel pillows support the head and neck, providing comfort. It is important to prevent muscle tension, stiffness and pain during long trips and flights. Sleeping comfortably with a travel pillow can help reduce the effects of jet lag and ultimately help you arrive at your destination in better condition.
How much should I pay for a travel pillow?
The price of a high-quality travel pillow depends on the brand, the material, and additional features such as adjustable straps and washable, but generally around $30 to $60. For frequent travelers or those who are on the brink of a big trip, investing in a high-quality travel pillow will be worth it. There are also a number of excellent and affordable travel pillows that cost between $15 and $20, and there are luxury items that cost between $150 and $200. Ultimately, it depends on your budget and the features you want.
Can I wash my travel pillows in the washing machine?
Many travel pillows come with a removable washer-compatible cover. This is because manufacturers recognize the importance of keeping pillows clean while traveling. Always check the manufacturer’s washing label before placing it in a washing machine or dryer (most covers in particular need to be washed with cold water and air-dried).
Is memory foam suitable for travel pillows?
Travel neck pillows provide excellent comfort and support, and are designed to reduce neck strain and improve sleep quality during long trips. Look for products that use memory foam that is about 5 inches (about 12.7cm) thick.
