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Travel Pillows
If you’ve ever found yourself jolting awake on a long journey, with your head lolling and your neck sore, then you might consider investing in a travel pillow. These pillows come in various shapes and sizes, but the best ones provide 360-degree support for your neck, preventing strain on any one side.
This all-around support is particularly important for those situated in middle or aisle seats, where there’s no surface to lean your head against. Moreover, many travel pillows can be conveniently clipped onto your backpack or suitcase, saving precious space in your luggage.
If this resonates with you, or if you simply enjoy having travel accessories, read on for our comprehensive reviews of popular travel pillows. At the end of this article, you’ll also find useful tips on how to use them effectively. However, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick preview of our top six picks:
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- Best value travel pillow: Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow.
- Best travel pillow for long flights: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow.
- Best travel pillow overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck.
- Best travel pillow for the middle seat: trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support.
- Best inflatable travel pillow: MLVOC Travel Pillow.
- Best travel pillow: Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Air Pillow .
What are the different types of travel pillows?
There are various types of travel pillows available, from traditional U-shaped pillows to more innovative designs, such as inflatable travel pillows or memory foam pillows. The usefulness of a travel pillow ultimately depends on the individual traveller’s preferences and comfort needs.
If you are going away, you may also be interested in our reviews of the best sleeping bags. If it’s improving your sleep quality you’re interested in, we also have a review of the best silk pillowcases.
How I tested the best travel pillows
I put these travel pillows to the test over two months while simultaneously reviewing the best packing cubes. I used them during flights to Venice and Edinburgh and during my hour-long train commutes to and from work. Despite my tendency to fall asleep easily while traveling, I frequently wake up with my head in an uncomfortable position.
Throughout my evaluation, I carefully considered affordability, design, and material quality. I sought 360-degree support, a balance of firmness and comfort, as well as any extra features such as straps for securing the pillow to seats and compactness when folded. Here are my findings, beginning with my top pick…
Best travel pillows
1. Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow
Currently $39.99, Amazon
Best travel pillow overall, 10/10
- Pros: The straps allow you to securely fasten the pillow to an airplane seat, preventing your head from nodding forward.
- Cons: It does not fold down particularly small.
- 329g
- Carry case included
- Patented Seat Strap System
- Polyester with memory foam fill
- Machine washable cover
Supporting every side of your neck can be a challenge for a travel pillow. Imagine being able to completely relax and still have your head upright – it’s nearly impossible without a neck brace. Enter the Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow.
This travel neck pillow boasts a contoured shape that provides comfortable neck support. The real game-changer is the patented Seat Strap System. Simple yet effective, this strap at the back of the pillow attaches around the headrest behind you, preventing your head from rocking forwards. While this may not be the best fit for petite individuals, it’s a solid solution for many.
The pillow also features a clip at the front that attaches both sides together, offering support, although there’s still a small gap. Additionally, while it may not fold down as small as some others, it comes with a handy carry case that can be clipped onto bags and suitcases.
Despite a few minor quirks, the Cabeau Evolution S3 became my favorite travel pillow, as I experienced the best nap while wearing it on a train.
- Machine Washable
- Fits in Hand Luggage
- Hypoallergenic fleece
- Scientifically Proven Results
- Super Lightweight
- Stops Head Bobbing Forwards
- Compact & Easy to Carry
3. Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Currently $24.99, Amazon
Best travel pillow overall, 9/10
- Cotton Cove
- neck travel pillow
- plane pillow
- travel pillows for sleeping
- neck pillow for recliner
- car pillow for sleeping
More Than Just a Neck Pillow – The versatile Dot&Dot travel neck pillow can be converted to support your head, back, shoulder, or cervical spine during naps, relaxation, or reading in bed, on a recliner, or on the couch.
Essential for Travel – This flight pillow is a must-have for enhanced comfort during air travel, train rides, bus journeys, or car trips. Its luxurious memory foam cushions the body and alleviates painful pressure points for the ultimate relaxation.
Effortless Maintenance – Our memory foam pillow is enveloped in a breathable, machine-washable cotton cover, ensuring effortless cleanliness and freshness for your next adventure or trip.
Convenient Portability – Featuring a snap closure, this cushion can be easily attached to your carry-on luggage or backpack. It also allows you to secure the pillow around your neck or car headrest for maximum convenience.
- Smart memory foam
- Perfectly portable
- Ergonomic design
- Custom-fit feel
- Premium packaging
- Washable sleeve
Enjoy a superior level of comfort with our high-density BASF memory foam that seamlessly molds to your neck, providing optimal support and alignment while traveling.
Featuring a 360º ergonomic design with a Velcro closure for customized adjustment, our neck pillow firmly holds your chin, ensuring complete neck alignment with your spine. Say goodbye to neck and cervical aches after a flight.
The Ostrichpillow Go offers unequal sides for flexibility in resting positions. Use it with the closure facing either forward or backward to find the perfect fit for your comfort.
This neck pillow compresses to 60% of its size without compromising memory foam quality, comes with a travel bag, and ensures compatibility with small-sized headphones and earbuds, making it a must-have travel accessory.
Crafted from modal, a soft, durable, and sustainable fabric, our removable cover ensures easy cleaning – just pop it in the washing machine. Opt for sustainability and comfort with our premium travel pillow.
- 3D Contoured Design
- Improved Adjustable Buckle
- Portable, Lightweight, Adjustable, Compressible.
- Removable Cover
- Double support to the head, neck, and chin
- 3 Ergonomic ways with double support
- Perfect balance betweenPerfecess and firmness
- Easy to carry and keep clean
7. Kimiandy Inflatable Travel Air Pillow
Currently $23.99, Amazon
Best travel pillow overall, 9/10
- Quality Craftsmanship From The Inside Out
- Two-in-One Inflatable Valve
- Front Hollow Design and 60-Degree Design
- Hollow Design on Both Sides
- Packing included: 1* inflatable travel pillow ,1*eye mask, 2*earplugs and 1* Drawstring bag
- For Long Haul Flights & Short Trips
- Ergonomic Raised Lobe Design
- Added Drawstring Tie
- Plush Velour Texture Cover
- Memory Foam Padding
9. FLOWZOOM AIR Inflatable Travel Pillow
Currently $31.95, Amazon
Best travel pillow overall, 8/10
- Fast in-/deflate
- 5 sleeping positions
- Detachable hood and earplugs included
- Side pocket
- lightweight
- removable washable cover
- Feels like you’re resting your head on a cloud
- 3-way support system.
- Unique, patented design
- Handy snap-loop fastener attaches to luggage
- Easy to carry when you travel.
Best travel pillow: 3-way ergonomic support for head, chin, and neck. Ideal for arriving refreshed.
Prevents stiff neck by supporting the gap between head and shoulders, keeping chin from falling forward.
Airplane pillow can be used in various applications including couch, bed, car neck pillow, and train travel.
Soft fleece cushioning makes it the best airplane pillow for long flights.
Comes in small carry case, attaches to luggage, machine washable.