If you often find yourself feeling tired and jet-lagged after traveling for long distances, it might be time to invest in a travel pillow. From the popular Go Travel Ultimate Memory Travel Pillow to the warm Vera Bradley Convertible Travel Blanket, there is a wide variety to choose from, and you can always find something to cater to your specific needs. Read on for a review of some of the most popular travel pillows currently in the market.
10 Best travel pillows
Below are the ten best travel pillows to suit any of your travel needs.
Best Overall Travel Pillow
Go Travel Ultimate Memory Travel Pillow
The Go Travel Ultimate Memory Travel Pillow offers a 360 degree fit to provide proper support as you travel. It has a rear grip for attachment to the headrest, molding both the chin and neck. It has an adjustable closure at the front to prevent you from leaning and falling forward. There are numerous more affordable options on the market.
One major drawback to it is that you tend to get sweaty particularly around the neck. This is mainly due to the fabric used to make it. You also have to use a lot of effort when folding it back to your luggage once you’re done with it.
Best Budget Pick
Glynnis Travel Pillow Neck Support
The Glynnis Travel Pillow Neck Support might be one of the most affordable travel pillows in the market, while still offering top-notch support. It has received amazing compared to many of the pricier options in the market. It is u-shaped and made from memory foam to ensure maximum comfort. It also comes with numerous accessories such as earplugs, an eye mask, and a travel bag to enhance your travel experience further.
Best for Neck Support
Ostrich Pillow Go
If you are looking for adequate neck support while traveling, the Ostrich Pillow Go is the travel pillow for you. It has two different heights and a customizable fit to help you find a comfortable sleeping position. Although it is pretty pricey, it comes with perks such as a removable, machine-washable cover, and it is compressible to easily pack in a bag.
One major demerit is the fact that it is a bit pricey for the day-to-day traveler.
Best Cooling Travel Pillow
Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a top pick among individuals who cringe at the idea of having a thick and hot fluffy pillow wrapped around their neck. It features cooling air circulation vents and memory foam with a sporty design. It can keep you cool enough even when the air conditioning above your seat doesn’t work.
Cons
I find the Soft foam at the top quite soft which can make most people uncomfortable. It is also quite expensive.
Best for Saving Space
Trtl Pillow
If you are not a fan of the traditional U-shaped pillows, the Trtl Pillow is your sleep savior. It is half the size of the traditional travel pillows, and it is machine washable if it gets sleep drool.
Cons
It might not provide adequate support if your neck tends to get wobbly while you sleep.
Best for Sensitive Sleepers
Ostrich Pillow Light
It is a ringed pillow filled with microbeads covered in silicone for sound reduction. It may be bulky to carry since it cannot fold up. It is an excellent option for travelers who want to avoid jetlag, and it helps to ensure that you get a good rest even if you have rowdy neighbors inside the plane.
The only drawback I have with this pillow is that it is hard to fold or pack in your luggage because it’s very stiff.
Best for Frequent Overnight Flyers
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow is the most suitable pick for individuals who often take long-haul overseas flights, especially at night. It is a memory foam core travel pillow with a machine-washable cover. It falls in the higher price range. Its features ensure that you stay comfortable on long flights, and it has received many high ratings and positive reviews from previous buyers.
Cons
I find it to be a bit uncomfortable because it generates some heat which can make you sweat after some time.
Best for Serious Do-not-disturb Signals
Saireider Travel Neck Pillow Kit
It is made from memory foam which contours the neck to ensure comfortable rest. The Saireider Travel Neck Pillow Kit can fold up into a compact size, making it convenient to carry if you want a light load. It also comes with a pair of foam earplugs and a silk sleep mask for maximum privacy as you sleep.
Cons
It is best suited for light sleepers which can be quite a challenge.
Best for Kids
Cloudz Plush Soft ‘n’ Cuddly Travel Pillow
If you are looking for a suitable travel pillow for your kids, the Cloudz Plush Soft ‘n’ Cuddly Travel Pillow is worth checking out. It is a comfortable and fun pillow that comes in a wide range of cute animal designs. Some users have complained of its build quality. It has hundreds of positive reviews from previous customers on Amazon, and it can keep your kids comfortable and entertained while they travel.
One main disadvantage is that it sometimes does not fit older kids perfectly.
Best for Staying Warm
Vera Bradley Convertible Travel Blanket
If you tend to get cold during your flights, then the Vera Bradley Convertible Travel Blanket is the travel pillow for you. It is a fleecy lightweight convertible blanket that is easy to fold into a pillow. It also has a built-in trolley sleeve that you can easily slide over the handle of your suitcase.
A drawback is that it tends to get way too warm which can make you uncomfortable.
How to choose a travel pillow
When selecting the most suitable travel pillow, it is vital to figure out the type that can cater to your needs. There are three main types of travel pillows. These are;
- Inflatable travel pillows: They are typically u-shaped. They can be inflated to your desired firmness or deflated to fold into a compact, small and lightweight item for easy packing when planning to take a flight or long road trip. An inflatable pillow can offer both support and convenience to a budget traveler.
- Memory foam travel pillows: They offer the most consistent neck support for long-distance travelers since they are the firmest in the market. They can be clipped or compressed for compact packing and are usually the most recommended if you are searching for a comfortable travel pillow that can mold to the shape of your neck. They are a bit pricier than the other options in the market.
- Micro-bead travel pillows: They are u-shaped and lightweight, filled with tiny polystyrene beads. They change shape to provide neck support and comfort, although they are the least comfortable of all the options in the market. Additionally, they are not ideal for light packers since they are the least portable.
Although there is a wide variety to choose from when selecting the most suitable travel pillow, there are several options you need to consider to arrive at your decision. They include the following;
- Neck support
One of the first considerations you need to make when selecting a travel pillow is the level of neck support it can provide. Consider your usual travel experiences. If you typically wake up with a pain in the neck, it would be best to select a memory foam or inflatable pillow because they are sturdy enough to provide ample support.
On the other hand, if you tend to lean forward while sleeping as you travel, neck braces are the most suitable option. Your most common neck positions should guide your decision for the most suitable travel pillow for good rest during your long-distance travel.
- Size and weight
Travel pillows come in a wide range of weights and sizes. It is therefore vital to select one which fits your travel style. Consider choosing a lightweight pillow if you do not wish to have bulky luggage as you travel. Inflatable and memory pillows are the ideal options for light travelers since you can quickly size them down.
Micro-bead travel pillows tend to be bulky. If this is your preferred option, it is vital to ensure that you have enough space in your carry-on to accommodate the size and weight of the pillow. Manufacturers tend to make travel pillows as light and compact as possible. However, the weight and size of the pillow are still important considerations when selecting the best choice.
- Consider the fabric of the pillow
Fabric may probably not be much of a consideration when selecting your regular pillows for at-home use. However, you need to be careful about the material you choose when it comes to travel pillows. For instance, if you do not wish to rest your skin on bare plastic as you travel, an inflatable pillow may not be the best option for you.
It is also vital to bear in mind that most flights aren’t that warm. This being the case, you should consider a travel pillow with a fleece cover. Cotton is a good fabric choice if you expect to sleep at a hot airport due to occurrences such as waiting time and flight disruption. It is also essential to consider any allergies you may have when selecting the most suitable fabric for your travel pillow.
- Durability
It is essential to find a durable travel pillow, especially if you travel frequently. Doing this will help to ensure that you do not have to buy a new pillow after a few trips or each time you need to travel. With the wide range of options in the market and various cost points, it is vital to determine the amount you are willing to pay, with the value for your money in mind. If you are a frequent traveler, it may be better to spend more on a high-quality pillow, which you do not have to replace constantly.
It is always a good idea to find a pillow with a washable zip cover since you do not have to damage it while attempting to clean it after a few uses. Reviews on the various pillows available on the market can also help you determine whether or not you are making a worthwhile investment.
- Sleeping positions
Everyone has a unique sleeping position. Different travel pillows are designed to suit specific sleeping positions. Whether you tend to loll your head forward when you sleep or move it around, you can always find a travel pillow designed to suit your preferred sleeping position.
For instance, you can find more support in a wrap-around pillow design than the traditional u-shaped pillow if you tend to move your head a lot as you sleep. Some pillows are designed to offer more support to your chin.
- Texture
The texture is another critical factor to consider when buying a travel neck pillow. The texture of the pillow you select can either make you feel comfortable or uncomfortable as you sleep during your trip. It is advisable to get a firm-textured and hard pillow whose material is feeble so that you can be comfortable while sleeping in it. On the other hand, a stiff neck pillow can provide compactness and stability to keep your neck in a good position as you sleep.
- Travel pillow add-ons
Some travel pillows may come with some additional items. Typically, you can expect a carry bag, but some designs may come with earplugs, sleeping masks, or even Bluetooth headphones. The types of add ons you wish to have with your travel pillows are based purely on your preference, and it is also okay to opt for a simple pillow that fulfills your sleeping needs as you travel.
What is a travel pillow?
Travelling, especially on a plane, entails covering long distances at a time. Such long trips can make you get tired and fall asleep quickly. However, sleeping as you travel isn’t always easy. It can irritate even the most experienced travelers who are constantly taking trips around the world. That is where a travel pillow comes in. Its function is to provide and support that your head and neck may need when you fall asleep. It is beneficial in sparing your neck from the discomfort that often comes with traveling long distances.
Why should you buy a good travel pillow?
There are several benefits of carrying a travel pillow to your long-distance trip. They include the following;
- They offer comfort in an uncomfortable spot.
Unless you are traveling in business class, airplane seats tend to be quite uncomfortable. However, a travel pillow can help you overcome the awkward seating positions that result in strains on your shoulders and neck. The support offered by the pillow prevents your head from rolling sideways while you sleep, therefore reducing the instances of being a nuisance to your seat neighbors.
Travel pillows can also significantly reduce your likelihood to snore loudly as you sleep on the plane.
- They help to maximize your rest.
Traveling long distances can be exhausting. You are likely to end up jet-lagged after conflicting with your normal routine. Fortunately, a comfortable travel pillow can improve your overall travel experience significantly. It will allow you to adjust your head to the position that best suits your preference as you sleep. It also encourages relaxation, allowing you to catch up on some sleep, especially if you are traveling at night.
- Carry comfort with you
Most travel pillows are lightweight and easy to carry, making them the ideal travel companion to help you achieve maximum comfort. They come in various types and styles, and you can select the one that best suits your needs.
Whatever your choice, having a comfortable neck pillow not only offers your comfort but also protects your neck from the discomfort of sitting for a long period of time. Happy traveling!
