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The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Pillows We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Sitting upright for hours on end or sleeping on unfamiliar pillows can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a reliable travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight, hitting the road on a long car trip, or looking to get a good night's sleep in your hotel room, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested more than 40 travel pillows, looking at traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, train rides, and even sleeping at home, making sure each option was comfortable for extended use. We also brought a few options into our Travel + Leisure lab to get a direct comparison, testing them out on our airplane set. After catching some of the best Z's, we rounded up pillow choices for different types of travelers who are looking to get more rest on their future trips.

Best Overall

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

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

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

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort when we took it on a flight, allowing us to get more rest than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. Although the memory foam is soft and compressible, it felt more supportive than any other pillow we tried. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it is easy to roll the pillow up to fit inside its compact drawstring sack. We found it a little tricky to roll up at first, but once we nailed the technique, we were impressed with how small it became — ideal for those who don't want a pillow to take up too much luggage space.

The pillow held its shape after being in the bag for long periods of time, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable, but we air dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allows for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | 10.5 x 9.5 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Most Comfortable

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

The cozy but firm material and innovative chin strap keep you from bobbing your head while sleeping.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security — a feature that really sealed the deal for us during testing. The interior of the pillow feels like memory foam, which offers the ideal balance of support and coziness. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted, though it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow cover is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it feel as good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that you can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Infinity-style

Infinity pillow travel pillow.

The modular design of the pillow makes it easy to use to support the neck, chin, or back while sitting.

The cushioning is fairly soft, so the support isn't as stiff as memory foam.

Most travel pillows come in one shape and size, so we love that you can contort this one in various ways to fit your needs. At nearly 40 inches long, the infinity design (yes, like the scarves worn in the early 2000s) can be wrapped once for less support or twice for the type of neck support found in traditional C-shaped pillows. We used the pillow during an all-day road trip and loved that we could wear it around the neck with a looser or tighter fit depending on how much neck support we wanted. We did find that it was still a little too big for us after looping it twice, so users with smaller necks may not get the support they're looking for. That being said, it can be used in many different ways to make sleeping on planes, trains, and cars more comfortable, so minimal support as a traditional neck pillow isn't necessarily a deal-breaker.

We also found that it's much easier to travel with the pillow since the closed ring shape makes it easy to wear around the neck instead of having to pack it away or risk it falling off. The bamboo fabric is extremely soft and breathable, so we never felt overheated or constricted, and the pillow is machine washable for easy upkeep after a trip. We should also note that it took up a lot of space in our luggage, but it may be worth packing a little lighter to be that much more comfortable while traveling. It also comes in a whopping 10 colors.

The Details: Bamboo, nylon | 39.3 x 6.6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Paige VandeWiele

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

It’s supportive and firm without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers who like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the included circular carrying case that you can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask, and features a frontal slip pocket that you can store them in. After a trip, you can unzip and remove the carrying case to machine wash it, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | 11.81 x 11.42 x 3.54 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Best Hooded

Pluto pillow pod.

It boasts a cozy hood and built-in eye mask for total darkness even on bright flights.

It's one of the pricer options on this list.

Like the black-out curtains of travel pillows, this option comes with a hood and an eye mask that shields your eyes from any light, which is incredibly useful when you're trying to get some shut-eye on a busy flight. It has a soft neck brace that wraps around the neck with light support, and the hood goes on like a regular hoodie with a drop-down eye mask. Once our head was fully cocooned in the hooded pillow, we found that it was a game changer for travelers who have a hard time falling asleep with light or ambient noise around since it muffles sounds and blocks rays.

While the space-helmet-like shape looks quite different from other travel pillows on the market, it's still easy to put on and offers excellent portability. Plus, this newer model features an easy way to clip the pillow to a backpack or luggage handle. One thing to note is that the price point is quite high compared to other pillows on the market, but the unique design and high-quality fabric and construction make it worth it for those with higher budgets.

The Details: Alcantara fabric, WPS mesh | 12 x 6 x 4 inches (folded) | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

The silk material is gentle on skin and hair while traveling.

This pillow is 12 by 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories, but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but you can still use it in a hotel bed, and it's perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your personal item bag . After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it still shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester | 12 x 6 inches

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Adjustability

Buyue travel neck pillow.

You can swivel it around to support any part of your head.

It comes with a drawstring bag to stuff it in, but the pillow still takes up a good chunk of space in a backpack.

With thick cushioning on one side of the pillow, the unique design of this travel pillow makes it easy to get comfortable in a small space where there isn't much wiggle room. No matter which way your head tilts when you sleep, you can adjust this pillow with the largest part of cushioning rotated to support the side or back of your head, or you can turn it to the front to prevent your chin from tipping forward or bobbing around. After testing the pillow on both road trips and long flights, we found that the fabric is breathable and soft for resting your head on, and we love that the cover comes off to toss it in the wash. Because of the thicker side of the pillow, it does take up a bit more space in a backpack, but it does come with a drawstring bag if you prefer to carry it outside of your luggage.

The Details: Polyester, spandex | 8 x 8 x 8 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Ava Wegner

Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

It has a modular design to shift from a U-shape to a rectangular pillow, offering versatility at an affordable price.

The neck pillow might not offer enough support for some since it's on the softer side.

This microbead pillow from Samsonite can be used as a neck pillow if you're sitting upright or you can shift it into a rectangular pillow for leaning against a window or laying on a tray table. The handy two-in-one design already gets bonus points for versatility, but the budget-friendly price makes it all the more better. In testing, it was an effortless process to switch from the U-shape to the rectangle shape by flipping the pillow inside out. Made with polyester and microfiber beads, this pillow is shockingly lightweight and feels nearly weightless to carry around an airport. Because the pillow is on the softer side with the microfiber beads, we discovered it's not as supportive as a memory foam pillow, but it still offered enough support to prevent the neck from uncomfortably craning too far to one side.

The Details: Polyester | 12.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches | Hand wash

Travel + Leisure / Anita Rutz

Best Splurge

Purple harmony anywhere pillow.

This supportive pillow is comfortable enough to sleep on at night and would make any hotel stay feel more luxurious.

At over three pounds, it's quite heavy but feels weightless if you attach the strap to a backpack.

If you're looking for a travel pillow that is just as comfortable — if not more so — than your pillows at home, then this luxurious one from Purple is the one for you. It's a miniature version of the brand's best-selling Harmony pillow, and it boasts the same cooling gel and bouncy, neck-supporting feel as the larger version. During testing, we found this pillow to be noticeably cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which can come in handy for camping. We wouldn't use this pillow during flights because of the plush, rectangular shape that wouldn't work well when sitting upright, but it would be ideal when you're laying flat, like in a hotel room.

It comes with a machine-washable pillow cover, and there is a travel case sold separately . Because this is one of the priciest pillows on this list, we do wish the travel case was included, but we do think it's worth adding on for its carrying straps and compression features. The pillow feels quite heavy on its own, but when you attach the strap to a backpack, it feels weightless to carry. You can also compress the pillow in half if you have the travel case, making it much more portable. Although this is a splurge for a travel pillow, we think it's worth the investment for travelers in search of a comfortable pillow with luxe features like a breathable honeycomb design, a moisure-wicking cover, and strong neck support.

The Details: Talalay latex, knit | 16 x 13 x 6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Best Breathable

Sleep number travel pillow.

The memory foam filling and synthetic fiber exterior let air pass through for superior breathability.

The pillow is large and was cumbersome to carry, especially for light packers.

It can get hot and stuffy on an airplane, so we love that the synthetic materials used to create this Sleep Number travel pillow are light and airy. The memory foam filling is bouncy and lightweight, and the soft fabric pillowcase is cooling enough to prevent overheating while sleeping in a plane, car, or train. Along with an airplane footrest , it could make a flight more comfortable. We used the pillow on a long-haul flight to Ireland and found it was ideal for leaning your head against the window or on the tray table since the pillow is on the larger side. While the size offers extra cushioning and support like a regular pillow, it did make it slightly annoying to carry through crowded airports since it doesn't come with a compact carrying case. However, it does come with a drawstring bag to carry it separately or you can use the clasp to attach it to backpacks, suitcases, or other luggage.

The Details: Lyocell blend, memory foam | 17 x 12 inches | Machine-washable cover | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

Some travel pillows we tested almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses, though they still might make suitable options for some travelers.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow : If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, this one is a good alternative. But because of its design, it offers no neck support and isn't the most useful when traveling via plane or train.

Slip Jet Setter Travel Pillow : The silk material is luxurious soft and cooling, but the pillow itself is extremely bulky to wear and difficult to travel with.

Snugl Neck Travel Pillow : Made with soft and supportive memory foam, the pillow is ultra-comfy to use in-flight, but we had a lot of trouble getting it back into the carrying case.

Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow : The comfort level with this pillow is so high that we started using it to sleep on nightly at home. However, it's not very portable, and we had a hard time rolling it up into the case.

Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow : This is a great pick for travelers who get warm quickly, as the pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up when you wear it. However, we didn't find it as comfortable or supportive as the Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow , so we would recommend that one instead, especially since they retail at similar prices.

Our T+L team tested more than 40 travel pillows to find the very best ones for every type of comfort-seekers. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched and tested popular options, including pillows with the classic U-shape and rectangular ones, too.

Paying close attention to traits like comfort, quality, durability, and portability, we noted various features that stood out to us for both good and bad reasons. We looked for special features such as cooling designs, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer to check if they rang true. Our favorite pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

After our real-world test, which involved trying the pillows on cross-country road trips and long-haul flights, we brought a few options into our lab to have one team member test them all against each other head-to-head. We then adjusted our results based on the direct comparison, and we will continue to capture testing notes every few months to update our articles accordingly.

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or stuff your suitcase full, a compact travel pillow that fits into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase or backpack and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station. It's always more convenient when a carrying case is included, especially if it has a luggage trolley sleeve or straps.

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a firmer pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and are more suited to travelers who like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Think about how you plan to use it

Travel pillows are a relatively broad category, so you'll want to narrow down your intended use and travel habits before purchasing since they come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. For example, if you often find yourself in the middle seat while flying, you'll want a pillow with lots of head support like a memory foam, U-shape pillow or an infinity style that you can adjust. However, window-seaters might opt for a rectangular pillow for leaning against the plane wall.

Travel pillows aren't just for flights, either. There are also rectangular options that can help make you more comfortable while camping or staying in hotel rooms, rental properties, or even friend's houses that might not have great pillows. They are also a road trip essential for every adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can generally find washing instructions on the tag of the travel pillow when you buy it. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our team members opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a hot dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth dipped in soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that you wrap around the neck to support your neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. There are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows for certain situations, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability.

Most travel pillows will come with carrying cases to compress the pillow, making it more portable. If the carrying case doesn't have a handle, it should still pack down small enough to fit in a personal item such as a backpack or a tote bag. Some pillows have a luggage trolley pass-through sleeve, which you can slip over the handle of your suitcase, while others may have a strap or a clip that you can attach to a backpack to carry it hands-free.

Some pillows are specifically designed to be worn in multiple different ways, but in general, it depends on your comfort preferences. You can wear a travel pillow backward , forward, or you can lean on it in the window seat — the most important thing is finding the most comfortable position for you.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a New York-based commerce writer at T+L, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Anna participated in testing travel pillows and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best ones on the market based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train. We will continue to update this article as we test even more travel pillows.

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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 Nest 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 Nest 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 Nest 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’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 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 Classic 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 .

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 Nest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution Classic . 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 Nest 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 or the 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.

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 Classic and the Travelrest Nest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive.

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 more.

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 Nest 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.

The Best Lumbar Support Pillow

by Ayanna Redwood-Crawford

If you slouch while sitting at your desk for long periods or suffer from back pain after a long workday, a lumbar support pillow can make all the difference.

The 36 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech

We’ve put together a selection of fun, useful and clever gifts for that person who always has a trip planned.

10 Best Travel Pillows, Tested & Reviewed by Our Editors

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flier and a rookie—the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flier, hanging from a backpack or being worn (incorrectly) around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realize that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research, though—as we’ve done for you here— and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game over time. Specialized brands like  Trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles. Below, 10 travel pillows we swear by for long-haul flights , road trips , train rides , and everything in between.

How we chose the best travel pillows

Every pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by our editors. When testing, we consider quality, price, unique design features, as well as overall function and visual appeal. Our editors have traveled with each of these pillows to determine packability and comfort, and then reported back on how well they stacked up against other versions they've tried.

Our top picks:

• Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for back support: Napfun travel pillow
• Best for red-eye flights: Pluto Pod
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow

Best travel pillow for: Overall comfort

If you're looking for an upgrade to a basic does-the-job travel pillow or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's Evolution S3 travel pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket—ideal for storing headphones or earplugs . What really sets this pillow apart from the rest are the velcro straps on the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we love it:  “The foam in this pillow is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." — Sarah Allard , digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: Back support

Made with compressible memory foam, the Napfun travel pillow is soft, yet designed with nearly 360-degree concave support (on the chin, back of the neck, and shoulder) for actual support when resting on the go. Its outer fabric is skin-friendly, soft, and washable; it can be removed via the semi-invisible zipper on the back.

Why we love it: “I often struggle to find the perfect position before a nap or when resting (when traveling, or not). This is one of the only travel pillows that helped me stay comfortable, thanks to its material and support. It’s both stiff and soft—and the flat, slightly indented shape of the back did wonders for my posture when sleepy. Without feeling in the way, the adjustable front clip made sure my head didn’t droop forward, and the breathable thickness of the memory foam propped the side of my neck up while also allowing me to sink into the coziness of it. I also love that it's compressional—no matter how many times I’ve folded it down into its accompanying (and adorable) mini bag, it has yet to lose its shape, foaminess, or ability to fluff back up.” — Jessica Chapel , editorial assistant

Best travel pillow for: Red-eye flights

More than just a neck pillow, the Pluto Pod boasts a lightly structured and padded hood, as well as a pull-down eye mask. Do you resemble a bobble-headed, 1950s-style alien when you wear it? Yes, you do. Is it, by far, one of the best travel pillows we've tested? Absolutely.

Why we love it : “The pillow has helped me cut down on my sleeping tools. With the Pod, I can eschew ear plugs and an eye mask because the padded hood dampens noise and the flip-down eye mask blocks almost all light. Sleeping with one is like being inside a mini sensory deprivation tank, except you don’t have to worry about getting wet.” — Juliet Izon , contributor

Read a full review here .

Best travel pillow for: Upper body support

This clever crossbody-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable, too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage.

Why we love it:  “I really love the shape of this pillow, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” — Lauren Burvill , senior commerce editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: Neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from Trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage—it weighs only 4.5 ounces. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved U-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we love it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortably on, so I was keen to try this style. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” — Sarah James , deputy digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: Flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders, or even lower back.

Why we love it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” —L.B.

Best travel pillow for : Versatility

Slip this microbead-filled cap over your head and you’ll completely redefine the experience of sleeping on the go. From the outside, the wacky-shaped headpiece may feel a tad like a Teletubbies costume, but once you pull your head through the 27.5-inch opening, any place you find yourself in—no matter how bright or how loud—can turn into a sleep zone.

Why we love it: “And there’s no right or wrong way to use it: On a plane, use it to lean against the wall of the window seat, lie head down on the tray table of the middle seat, or tilt backward on the headrest of the seat.” — Rachel Chang , contributor

Best travel pillow for: Affordability

Made with lightweight microbeads, the Brookstone travel pillow is equally supportive and comfortable. One side features soft fleece, while the other is made of a cool microfiber spandex. It looks like you classic U-shaped neck pillow, but with a few small but mighty improvements. It can easily be attached to suitcases or weekender bags, features a storage pocket, and allows you to sleep upright without any tension on your neck.

Why we love it : “Brookstone’s microbead travel pillow is a game changer for long-haul flights. Having one on-hand for the past couple of years has transformed all-day flights and road trips into opportunities to actually rest and recharge. I love having lightweight microbeads instead of memory foam, which can feel neck-bracey and constricting to me. It’s supportive while also generous with head movement and the use of other accessories like over-the-ear headphones . The pillow’s sleeve even has a pocket that’s perfect for slotting in your phone, which definitely lessens the sense of clutter in commuting. I’m impressed by how well the pillow has kept its structural integrity after years of being run through a laundry machine. Overall, Brookstone’s travel pillow is the elegant sort of comfortable that wears like it’s not even there.” — Kat Chen , editorial assistant

Best travel pillow for: Side sleepers

Similar to the Trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck, and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture, but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we love it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without it feeling too suffocating.” —L.B.

Best for: Warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Why we love it:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cozy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck—ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” —L.B.

A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK . It has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Meaghan Kenny.

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The 14 Best Travel Neck Pillows [2023 Buyer’s Guide]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

187 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

43 Published Articles 3382 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

What to look for in a travel neck pillow, the 14 best travel neck pillows, final thoughts.

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Have you ever nodded off in your seat only to jerk your head up in alarm, wondering if your neighbor saw that drool on your chin? Or been frustrated because you needed that inflight shuteye, but you just couldn’t get comfy as hard as you tried?

Yep — sometimes traveling can be downright uncomfortable. But is there anything you can do to snuggle up a little easier in the air? You bet there is.

Gone are the neck pillows of the past with their uniform U-shape, little to no support, and shoddy quality (well… they’re not literally gone, unfortunately, but you know what we mean!).

Today we’re breaking down 14 of the best travel pillows on the market to help you nab your greatest inflight z’s yet.

Material is one of the most important factors when choosing the right travel neck pillow as it will be cradling your neck, and often, touching your face. Some fleece materials can be super soft and comforting but may cause your neck to get too hot and sweaty, so you’ll want to make sure the material is breathable as well.

Carting your neck pillow through airports and on airplanes can mean that it won’t stay as fresh and clean as it once was, so a machine washable neck pillow is ideal, or at least a removable cover that you can wash regularly.

Support is another vital element of a neck pillow as you’re not always going to have a wall or window to lean against. Choose a pillow that keeps your head in an upright position (with your nose and chin inline) using padding or an internal frame. That way, you won’t arrive at your destination with an achy neck or annoy your neighbor by accidentally resting on their shoulder.

Size and Portability

As your neck pillow will need to fit into or attach to your carry-on, you should look for something that isn’t too bulky or that compresses into a storage pouch. Although sometimes not as comfortable, inflatable neck pillows are still a popular choice as they’re small and lightweight to carry and can be inflated and deflated in seconds.

If you’re a frequent long-haul or red-eye flyer, you’ll want to consider something more cushioned and comfortable, such as a memory foam pillow.

Neck pillows can significantly improve your comfort on a long flight, car, or train journey. Here are some of the best neck pillows on the market.

1. The Non-Traditional “Pillow” Everyone’s Talking About 

trtl Pillow

The trtl Pillow looks more like a scarf or wrap than an actual pillow. This inventive new design comes from 2 mechanical engineers who were looking to create something superior to the traditional U-shaped pillow.

Simply place the ribs (this device’s hidden, internal support) up against your head and neck, then wrap the fabric portion around and Velcro in place.

The velvety fleece (which is hypo-allergenic and machine washable) creates a type of hammock to cradle your head and neck, so there’s no need to lean against a window… or your unsuspecting neighbor. At 0.29 pounds, it’s extremely lightweight, and it folds up to half the size of a traditional travel pillow.

You can start to see why this product is causing such a stir!

What We Like

• Can be positioned for support on either side of your head

What We Don’t Like

• The material can make your neck warm

2. The Most Positively-Reviewed Memory Foam Pillow

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

The Cabeau Evolution is one of the most positively-reviewed travel pillows on the market. You may think it looks a lot like the traditional U-pillow, but we encourage you to dig a little deeper into the design.

This pillow is built with a responsive memory foam core in a patented ergonomic design that provides 360 degrees of support for your head and neck. Whether you tend to bobble sideways, backward, or forward, you’re covered all the way around. The adjustable toggles also help provide the optimal level of support.

Additionally, the pillow’s flat back prevents the shape from pushing your head forward into an uncomfortable position. It’s a bit larger than some others on the list, but it rolls up to a quarter of its full size for transport (carrying bag included).

The soft, washable cover includes a “media pouch” for your device, and Cabeau also throws in a pair of memory foam earplugs to boot. Oh, and it comes with a 2-year satisfaction warranty.

You may remember seeing this item featured on our list of Carry-on Travel Essentials for Short and Long Flights . This pillow certainly tops the list for a couple of bobble-headed sleepers here at Upgraded Points!

• Can be attached to any seat using the strap
• It’s quite large and bulky

3. The Best Design for the Hot and Sweaty Traveler

Cabeau Evolution Cool Neck Support Pillow

Some people are simply hot-natured by design, so things can get a bit sticky (literally) when you’re on a plane full of people stalled at the gate without A/C for what feels like hours.

Once you’re finally airborne, the air comes on, but it’s too late — by that point, you’re already sweating profusely, and the thought of donning a poly-cotton neck pillow makes you want to cry. Behold the Cabeau Evolution Cool.

This pillow has all the perks of the standard Evolution Pillow (memory foam core, flat back, 360-degree support, adjustable toggles, washable cover) but also includes a center portion of cooling air circulation vents to keep you refreshed.

Additionally, it rolls down to half its full size to fit in its deluxe travel case for convenient packing. You get a pair of memory foam earplugs included with this one, too, as well as the 2-year satisfaction warranty.

• Has breathable vents to keep your neck cool
• Can be too tight for some people

4. The Chin Support You’ve Been Longing For

BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

The BCOZZY also garners tons of great reviews on Amazon. This lightweight wrap-around pillow allows for adjustable chin support to prevent drooping.

While BCOZZY doesn’t quite elaborate on what the pillow itself is made of, it boasts a “breathable soft cover” with “bounce-back filling,” advertising a “flexible but solid structure” to use in a variety of seating positions.

The entire pillow is machine washable, and it comes with a small loop and snap on the back to attach it to your travel bags. Plus, it comes in a child-size * with fun, bright patterns and cute character bags.

• Doesn’t push the head forward
• Needs frequent adjustment

5. A Bendy Pillow With a Customizable Shape

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support

The Twist Travel Pillow has a neat little design that allows you to bend the roll into just about any shape you’d like to cradle your head and lull you into a sweet slumber.

While Dot&Dot doesn’t readily disclose what the main mechanism is that allows for the bend, it does state that there’s a luxury memory foam core that’s covered in a machine washable cotton cover.

It encourages travelers to also try the Twist Pillow as lumbar support or to relieve other pressure points while flying. Additionally, note the snap closure that allows you to secure the pillow around your neck, or attach it to your purse or carry-on while in transit.

This pillow is great for Goldilocks-types — those who can’t sleep until the support is juuuust right.

• Has a removable, machine-washable cover
• The snap closure can sometimes come undone

6. The “A Bit Confusing, but Figure It Out and You’re Golden” Pillow

J-Pillow (Blue) Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

The J-Pillow is another funny-looking pillow that appears as if the standard U-shape has sprouted an arm. It also comes with instructions… for a travel pillow… because apparently, this one can get a bit confusing.

The idea is for the J to support your head from under the chin. However, the alternative uses pictured mean that whichever way you cuddle up to this awkward little guy, it’ll likely make you more comfortable.

The J-Pillow is made from “high-quality 3D filling,” and has a “plush” cover. One downside to the cover is that it’s not removable and therefore is not machine washable. It does have a snap for quick on-the-go travel and compacts into a tight ball.

• Comes with a compression bag for easy transportation
• Doesn’t work as well when not leaning against something

7. The Best Comfy-Cozy Travel Pillow We’ve Seen

Huzi Infinity Pillow

The Huzi Infinity Pillow is the coziest travel pillow on the market. Just look at it — doesn’t this want to make you snuggle up and snooze for days?

This pillow balances softness and support, with a cutting-edge microfiber fill that expands and intertwines to form air pockets. Its outer cover is a bamboo fabric designed for breathability and temperature regulation, which allows you to stay cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool.

Plus, due to its unique shape, you can also use it for lumbar support, tray table sleep, snuggling, etc.

While it’s a bit bulkier than some other options on this list, there’s no denying its cushy nature is worth the space it takes to pack (or wear as a plush “scarf” around the airport). The entire pillow is machine washable — just make sure to line dry.

• It’s adaptable for many positions
• Quite a large travel pillow

8. The Pillow That Looks Ridiculous but Is Pretty Comfortable

TRAVELREST Premium Travel, Neck & Body Pillow

Yes, the TRAVELREST Premium may look strange, but it gets rave reviews. When deflated, this pillow insert (and cover) roll up tight to save loads of space when packing. When you’re ready to snooze, just give it a few puffs to inflate and then secure it with the strap to keep it in place!

The whole thing deflates in a matter of seconds, so you can roll it back up and pop it in your carry-on for a quick getaway. The machine washable cover is a soft microfleece, and it comes with memory foam inserts for added comfort.

Hot Tip: TRAVELREST also sells the original TRAVELREST and the cover separately on Amazon, so be careful when you purchase! If you think you’ve found a major sale, be sure it’s the right selection if you want the 2 pieces to come packaged together. Alternatively, it is nice that you can buy another pillow or cover alone if the need arises.

• Deflates and rolls up for compact transportation
• Can be quite large for an economy seat

9. The Low-Key Inflatable Pillow Option

AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow with Luxuriously Soft Washable Cover

The Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow from AirComfy is a great option for travelers who feel a bit claustrophobic with other pillows that secure around the neck. The Ease’s unique butterfly shape is designed to cradle the arch around the back of your neck to provide support where you need it.

How much support? That’s up to you  — it’s easy to inflate, and you can adjust the level with the valve at the top. There’s also some inner foam to help the pillow feel more substantial with less of that inflatable “bounce.”

The Ease is also nice for those who want something slightly smaller than the traditional U (or any of the larger pillows above). It comes with a soft, removable, machine washable cover, in addition to an elastic band you can use to secure it in place around a headrest.

Lastly, AirComfy encourages travelers to try this pillow out as lumbar support, too, since you can easily adjust the inflation for optimal support in this use as well.

• Very easy to inflate
• Air can sometimes leak out

10. The Best Travel Pillow for Minimalists

2 in 1 Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

The 2-in-1 Travel Pillow and Eye Mask is your go-to if you’re more of a minimalist and you want some versatility. If you want something smaller than the traditional U, this little pillow can be worn in several different ways — even doubling as an eye mask when necessary.

The band itself is a poly/spandex blend, and the pillow portion is filled with soft polyester. This allows the pillow to more or less sculpt to your preferred sleeping position so you can sink in and zone out.

While it doesn’t hold your head up completely, it still does a pretty good job of helping you get comfortable. Plus, it’s a lot less eye-catching than several other options on this list.

• Compact and lightweight for your carry-on
• Doesn’t provide any neck support

11. The Best Tray Table Sleep of Your Life (If You Can Stomach the Embarrassment)

JefDiee Inflatable Travel Pillow

This inflatable tray table pillow’s design is mirrored after a massage chair — you know, where you sit down and place your head in the cradle. Via the holes in the side, you can slip your arms through to up the comfort level… essentially giving your new pillow a big hug.

JefDiee  claims this pillow can be inflated in seconds with just 5 breaths Plus, you can easily adjust the fill to accommodate your height and firmness preference. In turn, it deflates in seconds and can be folded up to “book-size” for packing.

The PVC flocking material is strong, soft and machine washable, and doesn’t smell of plastic. Yay!

• Quick and easy to inflate and deflate
• Can sit too low for tall people

12. A Versatile Option That Takes You From Plane Z’s to Hotel Z’s

Visco love procomf travel  memory foam pillow.

With the VISCO LOVE ProComf Memory Foam Pillow, you sink into slumber as if you’re resting on a cloud. The material has microcapsules with a special thermic coating to create the optimal temperature for sleeping and to avoid any sweating — so this really isn’t your average memory foam.

Plus, this pillow allows for the perfect balance of soft yet springy support, and it’s guaranteed to last. It can even help alleviate and prevent back and neck pain by proving the right support.

Although slightly bulkier than your average neck pillow, it weighs less than half a liter of water, so it is pretty portable. In addition, it’s certainly better to use if you’ve got a window seat … so you may be starting to wonder why it’s even a contender here.

By bringing it along, you’ll likely catch some sweeter z’s on the flight, and you can bet your bottom dollar it’s better than 99% of the hotel pillows out there. Basically, 2 birds, 1 stone, people (plus, you can also use it as a luxe lumbar support … so more like 3 birds)!

• Great for sleeping in warm environments
• The firm support won’t suit everyone

13. A Travel Pillow Your Kiddos Will LOVE

Cloudz plush animal neck pillows.

Cloudz Plush’s bright, fun pillows are perfect for your little adventurer’s enjoyment! Available in 19 cute animal designs, these soft pillows will support and comfort your child’s head* on journeys short or long.

This traditional U-shape pillow is filled with cushy poly fill, and both this and the soft fleece covering are hypoallergenic. You don’t need to worry about your little one spilling or drooling on the pillow as it’s machine washable and will soon be as good as new.

• Machine washable
• No clasp to attach to your carry-on

14. The 3-in-1 Travel Pillow

Omni Pillow | 3-in-1 Travel Pillow

This pillow feels built for adventurers, but of course, it could be extremely useful for just about any traveler. Whether you need it as a neck pillow, double pillow, or pillow topper, the certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I Fulfilled memory foam is sure to comfort you.

Those are some big words, but suffice it to say that means it’s serious quality — this pillow is built for compression resistance, durability, and support. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and CFC/HCFC-free.

The pillowcase is made from material used in high-performance sportswear: it’s machine washable, light, yet durable, and won’t pill over time. It’s also got a built-in sleeve for your device and a cord hole for your headphones.

Also, the outer shell is soft yet sturdy AND it’s waterproof. Go-go-gadget pillow, anyone?

• Folds up into a super-small carry case
• Sits a bit low when used as a neck pillow

Neck pillows now come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s wise to do your research before buying. If portability is your priority, you may want to opt for an inflatable neck pillow that’s easy to carry and ready to use with just a few puffs of air.

If you’re a regular traveler, it’s likely you’ll want to consider something soft and supportive, so that you arrive fresh for your business meeting or ready to sightsee on arrival.

Did we miss your favorite travel pillow?  Give us a shout in the comments and let us know why it should have made the list!

Looking for more fantastic travel products to improve your adventures? Check out these other posts for inspiration!

• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Adapters and Converters You Can Buy
• The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones To Buy for Travel
• The Best Luggage Tags on the Market for Travelers

*Upgraded Points does not recommend any product for use within a child’s car seat without first verifying the product’s safety standards with the original manufacturer. Upgraded Points assumes no responsibility for the improper use of these products. In no event shall Upgraded Points be held liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential injury or any injury whatsoever related to improper use of the products listed. 

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The 7 best travel neck pillows for 2024.

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

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Courtesy of Cabeau

Just like the pillow you use at home , the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.

Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.

• Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 on Amazon
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓
• Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow on Amazon
• Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow on Amazon
• Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow on Amazon
• Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow on Amazon
• Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow on Amazon
• Best for Kids: BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow on Amazon

Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "I brought this neck pillow on 15-hour flights to and from New Zealand, and it proved to be a great investment," says Catriona Kendall , editor at U.S. News. "The pillow gave me enough support to sleep comfortably for hours, and I especially loved how I could roll it up into a small pouch and clip it to my personal item ."

Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing. The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable.

Price: $39.99 or less

Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow

Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.

Price: $29.99 or less

Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow

Courtesy of Trtl

The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.

If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.

Price: $64.99 or less

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Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow

Courtesy of Huzi Design

If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.

Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.

Price: $49.99 or less

Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow

Courtesy of Sunany

Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.

A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.

Price: $23.99 or less

Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow

While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , senior digital producer at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.

Price: $13.99 or less

Best for Kids: BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow

Courtesy of BCOZZY

The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.

If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.

This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.

Price: $40.97 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts agree a supportive pillow is essential for travel. "The biggest issue many travelers experience when sleeping on a plane is that the seats don't recline enough," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. "This often results in the head being just on the brink of tipping forward – which is not a comfortable sleeping position. Because of this insufficient recline, it is important to keep padding behind the head and neck minimal to reduce the tendency for the head to tip forward."

Most travel pillows are designed to be worn around the neck, providing enough support to prevent the head from tipping forward.

When shopping for a neck pillow for travel, experts recommend considering the following factors:

Proper head support:  What's most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding. "A good pillow would provide support for side sleeping, rather than a lot of padding behind the head, which just pushes the head forward too much," says Dimitriu.

Material: Consider both the external and internal material of the pillow:

External: Chiropractic physician Eric Smith advises to make sure the material of your travel pillow is breathable and won't subject you to an overheated sleep, since one of the main reasons for moving around a lot as you sleep is getting too hot. "When your face gets too hot on one side, even if you're sleeping, you're going to move from it because it's too warm," Smith explains.

There's no real consensus on which material is best for a cool, comfy sleep – and different people will have different preferences – so Smith's advice is to try before you fly (and don't hesitate to request a refund if your chosen pillow isn't working out).

• Internal: Memory foam pillows tend to offer more firm support – something Smith recommends for anyone, but especially older travelers. "The majority of patients I have that get older, we actually need a more firm pillow, we need a more firm bed, we need more support," Smith says. Pillows filled with microbeads mold more to the neck and head, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted to your preferences based on how much air you use to blow them up.

A travel pillow for your neck isn't considered a carry-on or personal item (and the same generally goes for small, loose items like packable jackets and umbrellas). That said, it's always best to review your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before traveling.

A good neck pillow for travel isn't the only key to achieving a decent sleep while in transit. "From the standpoint of evolution, we're kind of hardwired to be a little bit more on high alert in those situations," explains Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We're a little bit more in fight or flight mode; our brain is subconsciously scanning the environment for threats and there are new sounds and new smells."

She recommends finding elements that are relaxing to you, which might include some of the following:

• Travel blanket: Look for something lightweight, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket . This blanket comes with a carrying case, which can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored inside.
• Essential or aromatherapy oils: Scents like lavender and peppermint can be especially calming.
• Earplugs: You can buy traditional foam earplugs to block out some of the external noise, or invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones .
• White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
• Sleep mask: A sleep mask helps to block out the bright light on planes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Compression Socks for Travel
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• How to Get Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport

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• Trip Planning

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Get some quality shut-eye on the go

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Final Verdict

How we tested, other travel pillows we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio

Comfort is key when traveling, whether by car, train, bus, or airplane. And not just for your happiness—sitting or sleeping for hours on end can put your cervical spine (C-spine) in an unnatural position as your head bends downward to read, sways back to sleep on a headrest, or falls to the side to doze off against a window.

A travel pillow can help provide cushion to make falling asleep in transit easier, and the support may also help your C-spine and keep you comfortable during long flights and car rides. There are two main kinds of travel pillows: a donut or C-shape pillow and a rectangular pillow that mimics the type you use in bed.

All travel pillows should provide support and comfort, and you should be able to pack them down small enough to carry with you through an airport or on a train. To see what products were up to par, we tested 21 travel pillows over four weeks as we spent time in planes, trains, and cars. We looked for comfort, quality, portability, durability, and overall value.

Best Overall

Cabeau evolution classic travel pillow.

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

Highly supportive material

Helps maintain natural C-spine shape

Easy-to-clean cover

Attaches to carry-on

Not as supportive for taller people

Material runs warm

Doesn’t pack down

The Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow has a responsive memory foam core, which we determined is what makes this neck pillow rise above the rest. Whether it's propping your head up while sleeping or supporting your neck while watching a movie, it feels like a cloud of softness and comfort that conforms to support your shape. 

The design is your traditional C-shape, but with raised sides to keep your neck up and a flattened rear to avoid pushing your C-spine forward. We thought the memory foam felt neither excessively firm nor too soft, but worked well to hold our head up comfortably when sleeping. Moreover, it bounced back to its original shape after we used it for over two hours.

The pillow doesn't deflate, but it has a clasp that keeps it from slipping around your neck and makes it easy to latch the pillow onto your bag when not in use. It comes with a soft cover that's removable and machine washable. Not only is it affordable, it's also better designed than most competitors at the same price point.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 x 5 inches | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Material: Polyurethane core, velour cover

TripSavvy / Daniela Galvez

Best Overall, Runner-Up

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

• Quality 5 /5

Super comfortable with a memory foam core

Packs down (carrying case included)

User-friendly

Doesn’t secure in place to prevent slippage

Less intuitive for the middle seat

This neck pillow has a unique J-shape design meant to support your head and neck while leaning against a window or seat in a car, bus, or plane. We found it super supportive while napping on a 19+ hour car trip and quite intuitive to use—one tester's 6-year-old cousin figured out immediately how to position this pillow.

The J-Pillow is lightweight, easy to move around, soft, and plush. It features memory foam, which is why it feels so supportive, and it has a machine-washable, cuddly, soft cover. The pillow is also quite durable and maintains its shape no matter the damage: We squished it under all the luggage in a trunk and it bounced right back to shape and didn't get any snags. 

Bonus: It comes with a stuff bag that you can tie around luggage, making the awkward shape much easier to travel with.

Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 13 inches | Weight: 8.16 ounces | Material: Memory foam core, polyester blend cover

TripSavvy / Jennifer May

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Quality 4 /5

Great quality for the price

Easy to travel with

Two fabric options for hot/cold

Cover isn’t removable or washable

During testing, we found this classic donut-shaped neck pillow comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and soft but sturdy. The core has millions of tiny microbeads and is covered with super soft, plush fabric on one side and cooling spandex on the other, depending on what you need most during your travels. 

The pillow features a snap closure in front that helps keep your neck from falling forward and makes the pillow easy to attach to your bag for transport. During our tests, we specifically liked this pillow for neck support while switching between napping and reading or using a computer on long flights or train rides. And, despite being just $20, it also felt very high quality. 

While it didn't tear or snag during our travels, it’s worth noting that if you were to catch this on a door or snag it somehow, the millions of microbeads in the filling would come pouring out. 

Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 7 ounces | Material: Polyester, polyester blend

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

• Portability 4 /5

Recycled materials

Flat design like a bed pillow

Versatile use

Doesn't specifically contour to the neck

Not the most compact when stowed

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is ideal if you value having something akin to an actual pillow, but small enough for traveling. The traditional rectangle is filled with upcycled chunks of foam from excess camping sleeping pad material, with a soft insulation layer on top to keep the surface from feeling lumpy. You can pull the drawcord string to cinch the pillow to your desired firmness.

We found this pillow incredibly comfortable, with a real pillow feel that was ideal for everything from flights and camping to sleeping at home. We liked the soft and breathable exterior, which was perfect for warm weather and hot plane rides. The pillow packs down into itself and you can use the drawcord to tie the pillow onto a suitcase or backpack.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 5 inches (small) | Weight: 7 ounces (small) | Material: Polyester fiber core, polyester cover

Best Splurge

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

Cool, minimalist design

Incredibly comfortable for long flights

Very compact when put away

Velcro might catch on clothes or hair

The Ostrich pillow is a simple and sleek design, with one sleeve of high-density memory foam that wraps around your neck with high sides to rest your cheek on and Velcro security in front. We found this design extremely comfortable, to the point that it felt like wrapping a marshmallow around our neck or sleeping on a cloud. We found it supportive for the neck, chin, and head while sitting in the middle seat on a flight, and it even kept our neck and back pain-free on a long international flight.

The memory foam is incredibly soft and plush, and the design is very accommodating among different-sized people who tested it. This pillow also has an appealing, modern design that looks more refined while wearing it than other options we've seen. One of us, who is already a hot sleeper, did report that the pillow was a little warm on a long international flight, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

What's more, it packs down super small, compressing to 60 percent of its size into an included stuff bag, which makes it easy to stash in your carry-on bag .

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 2.7 inches | Weight: 14.8 ounces | Material: Memory foam core, viscose cover

Tripsavvy / Susan Brickell

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Accommodates large headphones

Good balance between softness and support

Packs down small

May be too firm for some

The Cabeau Evolution Neck Pillow follows a C-shape design but with one significant difference: The top and bottom inch have memory foam for optimal neck support, while the middle is made with mesh vents to keep you cool.

Our testing found this design to be super supportive and firm without being too hard, and that the airy, cooling design worked as promised. The curved sections on each side are also designed to wear over-the-ear headphones comfortably. The pillow is lightweight and packs into a circular carrying case that's easy to attach to your luggage. Plus, the pillow maintains its shape even after being rolled and unrolled over and over. 

We found that even though this pillow runs nearly $60, it's worth it if you need firm support to sleep comfortably while traveling—especially in a middle seat.

Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 5 inches | Weight: 12.7 ounces | Material: Memory foam

Best Memory Foam

Aeris memory foam travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

Super supportive

Compact when not in use

Comes with earplugs and eye mask

Requires effort to get into case

Made from ultra-supportive and contouring memory foam, it's no surprise that we found the Aeris Travel Pillow to be super firm and have excellent neck support. The memory foam is stiffer but still feels soft and comfortable to sink into. The sides come up high to provide an excellent chin rest when sleeping. We loved how we could lean back in the car or plane and the back of our neck wasn't against the headrest, which made for a comfortable nap. This neck pillow has a drawstring cord to secure it on any size neck.

The cotton cover is removable and machine washable. The whole pillow folds down small into a carrying case, which has the added feature of a side pocket to hold the included earplugs and eye mask.

Dimensions: 12.8 x 11.73 x 5.16 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Material: Memory foam core; 80 percent velour, 20 percent polyester cover

TripSavvy / Anna Popp

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Keeps skin and hair looking great

Big enough to use as a normal pillow

Quality materials and construction

Matching laundry bag, eye mask, and neck pillow available

Carrying case sold separately

Not particularly compact 

Retailing for almost $100 more than our overall winner, there’s no doubt that the Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow is a splurge. However, it’s made from the finest mulberry silk, giving it an ultra-soft, smooth texture that helps to prevent wrinkles and protect your hair. We used ours on a five-hour Amtrak journey and loved that it kept a blowout looking sleek. The pillow may be expensive, but so is finding a salon on vacation (and there’s no price to be put on wrinkle-free skin!). 

The pillow is also made to last with high-quality materials and stitching. By the time we finished testing, it still looked brand new, and we felt that it would be a long time before it began to flatten. At 12 by 16 inches, this isn’t a full-size pillow, but neither is it the most portable option. This means you’ll need a significant amount of space in your carry-on or purse to tote it around, but on the flip side, being large enough to use for a regular night’s sleep at your destination adds to its overall value. Choose yours in sophisticated navy or pink and ivory stripes. 

Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Mulberry silk cover, silk and polyester core

Best Support

Cabeau evolution s3 travel pillow.

• Durability 4 /5

Unique chin strap for unrivaled support

Soft, washable cover

Folds compactly into included case 

Holds up well to intense travel 

Can feel a little restrictive at first 

Standing for “The Neck’s Evolution,” the TNE S3 from Cabeau features a patent-pending, totally unique chin strap designed to hold your head and neck firmly in place to prevent uncomfortable “bobblehead” syndrome. Other design features include raised side supports, a flattened back for greater comfort when leaning against your airplane seat, and an opening at the front of the neck for effective heat dispersal. Adjustable straps allow you to secure the pillow to any high-back seat. 

The interior is made from supportive memory foam, while the removable, washable cover features a soft, cozy fabric that held up well to our 12-day testing trip around Japan and South Korea . Despite using it almost constantly on different modes of transport, it looked good as new when we got home and only lost a slight degree of softness after washing. We especially liked that the pillow folds in half to fit inside a compact carry case, which has a clip for attaching it to your suitcase. There are seven bright colors to choose from. 

Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.3 x 11 inches | Weight: 14 ounces | Material: Memory foam core; polyester, microsuede, birdseye mesh cover

The Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow is exceptionally supportive, conforms to the natural curvature of the neck, and features a removable cover that is easy to clean. Also tying for the top pick, the J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow features an innovative design that delivers comfort and comes with an easy-to-carry stuff bag.

To determine the best travel pillows, we considered how easy the pillow was to set up and use out of the box, how the material felt to touch, how durable the material was against wear and tear, and how easy it was to clean. We put each pillow through a series of tests on plane, train, bus, or car rides exceeding two hours . During travel, we considered how supportive and comfortable the pillow was, how the fabric felt, how it made our neck feel, how easy it was to pack or compress, and whether it had any exceptional features that made traveling more comfortable.

Here are some of the other travel pillows we tested that fell short of our favorites list.

Trtl Pillow : For the price, this travel pillow didn't provide nearly enough neck support and not only felt flimsy but actually caused us pain during a 3.5-hour flight. Putting the wrap on was incredibly awkward and the fleece felt too stuffy riding in a car.

BCozzy Neck Pillow : This pillow has a unique wraparound design intended to create a double layer of cushion. However, it was too thick during testing to double up comfortably. It was definitely durable and well made, but not comfortable enough to recommend purchasing.

Ostrich Pillow Light Versatile : This pillow has comfortable, T-shirt-like fabric outside and a supportive, memory foam feel when you press on it. But the circular nature of the design just didn't work in testing to support the neck and head in a way that was also comfortable to sleep.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow : This memory foam pillow is supportive and soft, and it features mesh around the neck to keep you cool, as well as suede around the face to keep you cozy. Overall, this pillow is well made, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable enough for us to nap with on an 11-hour flight. It didn't fit into any single best category, but we recommend it nonetheless.

TripSavvy / Erin Johnson

Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow : This pillow's main selling point is that it rolls down super small for packability. But outside of that, we found little reason to buy it. It wasn't comfortable to sit or sleep with, caused us neck pain, the material was too plastic-y, and it's overall just confusing to use.

MLVOC Travel Neck Pillow Set : Our testing found this travel pillow too stiff to find a comfortable fit, not providing support to the head and neck, and allowing the head to bob from side to side. It also requires effort to stuff into the travel bag.

Samsonite Microbead 3-in-1 Neck Travel Pillow : This pillow features tiny beads, so it's not stiff like memory foam, but it didn't provide much support during testing unless our head was against a window. There isn't much support on the back of the neck, either. Overall, you can snag something more supportive for the price.

AirComfy Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow : This inflatable travel pillow isn't very comfortable once filled with air and was too small to fit in the crook of our neck comfortably. The surface gets dirty quickly and the plastic material was uncomfortable against the face. In short: Skip.

Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow : This pillow has a soft, velvety cover and feels very firm with its memory foam core. We thought it might be too firm for some, but personally found it comfortable around the neck or leaning on for a window. For the price, it's well-made and a solid choice.

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow : Filled with memory foam, this pillow has certain joints that twist into different shapes for personalized comfort. We found it to be thick and comfortable, but the bending nature tends to straighten slowly over time, so you'll have to readjust the position regularly.

Hest Pillow : This pillow packs down super small and then unfolds to be filled with shredded memory foam and polyester. Zippered access lets you adjust the loft to what you prefer, and we found it to be super comfortable and plush to sleep on. It's great for car trips and excellent for a full-size pillow versus a neck pillow, but we wish it came with a way to attach to luggage for air travel and that it was a bit lighter.

What to Look For in a Travel Pillow

You can find a comfortable neck pillow for just $20, but depending on your physiology, needs, and preferences, a pillow in the $40 to $60 range might be more comfortable. The price should correlate with design and features: A more expensive pillow should have a more streamlined design and features that make it worth more money due to better comfort, packability, and durability.

Most travel pillows come in one of two styles: Some kind of donut- or C-shaped neck pillow and a rectangular, small pillow that looks like what you use on your bed. 

A well-designed donut- or C-shaped pillow is ideal for keeping your spine aligned and preventing your head from jutting forward or falling back as you sit and sleep for hours while traveling. It should have support on all sides to keep your head from bobbing or your chin from falling. This style of pillow is ideal if you spend most of your travel time sitting up, whether working on a computer or trying to sleep in a middle seat (versus a window).

A rectangular pillow is ideal if you’re lying down in a car, train, or airplane, or if your head will be resting against a window. It’s also ideal if you want one item to do double duty, as you can use this travel pillow at home for a lumbar pillow or toddler pillow, or while camping. A rectangular pillow should feature materials that support your head and neck, and ideally have a customizable loft so you can adjust how thick or thin it depends on your sleep style to maintain that spinal alignment between your head and neck.

As we’ve said, a travel pillow’s primary purpose is to keep you comfortable and pain-free while in transit, which means it needs to be able to keep your head and neck in spinal alignment. That means the best travel pillow will be adjustable since some people need it tighter, looser, thicker, or thinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your travel pillow should have a machine-washable cover that you can remove and clean like any pillowcase. Let the cover air dry to prevent any shrinkage.

Travel pillows make sleeping more comfortable, usually making sleeping easier. A good travel pillow should provide support for your head and neck in a way that maintains cervical spinal alignment. Being out of alignment (with your head jutting forward, back, or to one side) is associated with the neck, shoulder, and back, and can make it very uncomfortable to sleep (not to mention not great for your musculature).

The most common way people wear these classic travel pillows is with the clasp in the front and the back of the "C" at the back of the neck. If you reverse this position, you may find it much more supportive and comfortable. Whichever orientation offers you the most comfort—and therefore facilitates rest—is the correct way.

Rachael Schultz is a fitness and outdoor product journalist based in Carbondale, Colorado. Growing up in and around cities on the East Coast, she wasn't taught how to backpack or ski as a kid, which means that as she moved West and her passion for the outdoors grew in adulthood, so did her research skills around what exactly one needed to buy to get outside. Now an avid mountain biker, skier, hiker, and camper, she's endlessly fascinated by and knowledgeable about the nuances of materials, performance, and convenience of outdoor gear. She's lucky enough to test everything from women's ski bibs to ultralight backpacking gear to camping cocktail kits. Rachael is passionate about making the outdoors just as accessible to those who haven't spent much time under the stars as those who grew up enjoying it, and that includes having the right gear to stay happy and motivated to head out again as soon as possible.

Journal of physical therapy science vol. 35,2 (2023): “ Changes in neck pain and somatic symptoms before and after the adjustment of the pillow height .” 106-113. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.106

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12 best travel pillows for long-haul flights and adventures in 2024

Whether you’re camping, flying or on a long car journey, ensure you’re well rested with one of these, article bookmarked.

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Travel pillows are everywhere – slung around the necks of passengers waiting to check in, poking out of backpacks and dangling from cabin cases . But they’re not just designed for use on planes – they’re great for arduous journeys by car, bus or ferry, too, and can be a lifesaver when (god forbid) a delayed flight means you’re forced to spend the night on a cold airport floor.

Most importantly, they play a crucial role when it comes to body alignment, lightening the load on our neck, head and shoulders by preventing the dreading head bob and making sure that our head stays upright even when we’re out for the count.

The key thing to finding the best travel pillow is that it provides support for your head – if a pillow does this, your neck, back and shoulders will benefit, too. This doesn’t necessarily mean pillows that loop around the neck are the only option because different people sleep in different ways (something reflected in the wide range of options we’ve recommended).

Beyond the shape and filling, there are other, less important factors to consider. Is the lining removable? This isn’t the be-all and end-all, but bear in mind travel pillows are quick to acquire stains and signs of wear and tear, so if it’s not, consider a design that hides those pesky marks. How well does it fit around your headphones , if your go-tos are over-ear models ? This isn’t a problem with most pillows, although there are certainly some options in our round-up that score better than others in this regard.

Finally, in an era when airlines are rolling out increasingly restrictive regulations relating to cabin baggage, how does it do in the stash-ability stakes? If you’re prone to exceeding your size or weight allowance, an inflatable pillow in a carry sack which can be stuffed into a side pocket or dangled from your backpack’s carabiner attachment might be the best option.

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How we tested the best travel pillows

We tested these travel pillows in a whole host of scenarios – at our desks, on long flights, on painfully arduous train journeys and bus journeys across southeast Asia . And trust us – as keen travellers accustomed to long trips on planes, trains and automobiles, we’ve got through more travel pillows than we can count.

We considered multiple factors – were they suitable for trips on which space was at a premium? What did the outer lining and stuffing feel like? Were they as useful on trains and long car journeys as they were on planes (anything that means we get more bang for our buck can only be positive, after all)? In other words, you can rest assured you’re (well, your head, neck and shoulders specifically) in good hands.

The best travel pillows for 2024 are:

• Best travel pillow overall – Ostrichpillow go neck pillow: £55, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget travel pillow – Lifeventure inflatable neck pillow: £12.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best luxury travel pillow – Slip jet setter travel pillow: £79.29, Beautybay.com
• Best breathable travel pillow – Trtl pillow cool: £29.99, Amazon.co.uk

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow

• Best : Travel pillow overall
• Material : Viscose
• Filling : Memory foam
• Weight : 350g
• Dimensions : 25cm x 17cm x 7cm
• Ultra-soft materials
• Brilliant ergonomic design

This fantastic memory foam pillow ticked all of the boxes – a removable, ultra-soft lining, a top-quality memory foam filling and generous patches of Velcro to keep it in place, which allows for more adjustability than we’re used to. It’s got a more ergonomic design than other pillows of this size, with a tapered shape which allows it to tuck neatly under our chin. The two-tone colourway also looks incredibly stylish, and we appreciated the tiny size of the label – all too often these are too large and attached to parts of travel pillows where they’re almost certainly going to rub against our skin.

Lifeventure inflatable neck pillow

• Best : Budget travel pillows
• Material : Polyester and TPU bonded fabric
• Filling : Inflatable
• Weight : 54g
• Dimensions : 33cm x 47cm x 12cm
• Very tough fabric on the pillow and stuff sack
• Great value
• No fastening to secure the ends at the neck

These days a growing number of travel pillows are made from memory foam. But as travellers who are perpetually short on space, we’ve got a major soft spot for inflatable ones, such as this piece of portable perfection. It inflated and deflated in seconds and the material – a combination of polyester and TPU-bonded fabric – didn’t chafe or rub, even on long flights. We also loved that it came in its very own bag  – an ultra-tough one made with ripstop fabric.

Snugpak butterfly neck pillow

• Best : For travellers short on space
• Material : Nylon
• Weight : 100g
• Dimensions : 37cm x 15cm x 8cm
• Stashes into the smallest of pockets and pouches
• Butterfly shape might not appeal to all

This pillow’s outer material was wonderfully soft, with a thickness that did a fantastic job of ramping up the comfort. It’s a great option for jet-setters who don’t gel with traditional travel pillows worn around the neck – we loved the way its butterfly shape meant it could be jammed into awkward corners and used as a headrest against airplane windows. It inflated and deflated incredibly quickly, and bonus points were awarded for its handy stuff sack, which can be dangled from buckles on backpacks.

Vango deep sleep ergo pillow

• Best : For frequent flyers
• Material : Knitted elastic
• Weight : 80g
• Dimensions : 41cm x 30cm x 11cm
• Incredibly soft fabric
• Supersized valve makes inflation and deflation a breeze
• Not the best option for those in need of neck (rather than head) support

The shape of this one is inspired by traditional pillows in that it doesn’t loop around the neck but acts as a headrest. Its small size makes it both wonderfully portable and versatile – it works just as well on planes as it does on long coach journeys and camping trips. The large valve means it takes just seconds to inflate and deflate, and the combination of the super soft fabric and a slightly sunken area in the centre did a great job of cushioning our head on a long-haul flight.

Slip jet setter travel pillow

• Best : Luxury travel pillow
• Material : Silk
• Filling : Foam
• Weight : Unspecified
• Dimensions : 25cm x 25cm x 12.5cm
• Soft outer cover
• The filling is not memory foam

Twenty years ago, when we were backpacking around the world using our wallet, socks or pants as pillows on bus journeys and flights, we’d have loved a pillow such as this one. Yes, it’s expensive but it’s also ridiculously comfortable – a thick curve of foam covered with top-quality mulberry silk (which didn’t just feel great on the skin but kept our hair frizz-free too). An integrated zip allows the cover to be removed and washed (because let’s face it, we’re all prone to the odd mid-snooze dribble). We’re not quite willing to award this a full five stars on account of the filling, which is standard foam. Yes, it’s top-quality stuff but we were hoping for memory foam given the use of the finest silk for the exterior.

Ostrichpillow light versatile pillow

• Best : Lightweight travel pillow
• Materials : Viscose
• Filling : Microbeads
• Weight : 110g
• Dimensions : 31.5cm x 16.5cm x 7cm
• Comfortable
• The toggle is great for adjusting the fit
• No washable lining

Yes, this particular pillow looks a little different to the average travel pillow – the suggested way of wearing it is to place it around your head, halo-style, so that it covers your ears and eyes while also cushioning your bonce in all the right places (we could use the toggle to adjust to fit).

We were initially a little nervous about the filling, which consisted of microbeads that felt similar to the ones inside bean bags, albeit slightly smaller. However, our concerns were unfounded – perhaps due to their small size, the result is a wonderful mouldability which provided high levels of comfort, boosted by the ultra-soft lining. The only reason we’re not giving this pillow five out of five is because there’s no removable outer covering should it get dirty, but trust us – this is a minor issue when comfort levels are this high.

Trtl pillow cool

• Best : Breathable travel pillow
• Material : Tencel
• Weight : 299g
• Dimensions : ‎25.4cm x 20.32cm x 10.16cm
• Innovative design
• Breathable material
• Not the most compact of travel pillows
• The fastening can be a little fiddly at first

We’ve not come across many travel pillows that come with instruction manuals and were somewhat sceptical about the slightly more complicated design of Trtl’s pillow. In summary, it’s got a built-in rigid section designed to offer firm support for the neck – you keep this section in place by wrapping the scarf-like section around your neck. It was much more comfortable than we imagined and did a great job eliminating the dreaded head-bob, although it only offers support on one side. Despite the built-in rigid section, it’s incredibly light, and the material is surprisingly breathable, too.

Vango Shangri-La memory foam pillow

• Best : For superior comfort
• Material : Brushed polyester
• Filling : Memory foam and an air pocket
• Weight : 450g
• Dimensions : 36cm x 11cm
• Superior comfort
• Soft fabric

We loved everything about this pillow, which has a precision-engineered ergonomic shape and is covered by some of the softest fabric we’ve come across. The memory foam provided the optimal amount of cushioning, and a colleague who borrowed it for a few moments described his experience as “similar to sleeping on a cloud”. What that actually feels like is anybody’s guess, but we reckon that’s a pretty good endorsement.

The secret to the superior comfort lies in its design, which comprises an outer layer of memory foam and a central air pocket. The result? The mouldability of memory foam and the support which comes courtesy of the air pocket – AKA the ultimate double act, we reckon.

Lifeventure inflatable pillow

• Best : For a traditional pillow option
• Material : Polyester and TPU fabric
• Weight : 77g
• Dimensions : 36cm x 51cm x 10cm
• Ergonomic shape provides support

An ergonomic shape provided just the right amount of support (including all-important lumbar support) and the deep grooves aided airflow during a particularly hot, sticky night on a cramped red-eye flight. It’s got enough flexibility to use on planes and trains, and the combination of polyester and TPU fabric makes for an extremely durable pillow. The carry case, made from ripstop fabric, is equally rugged.

Exped air pillow

• Best : For durability
• Material : Polyester and TPU polyether film laminate
• Weight : 60g
• Dimensions : 46cm x 30cm x 12 cm
• Easy to adjust rigidness
• Quick to inflate

Another pillow with an unusual shape – in this case, a semi-rectangular profile – the Exped air pillow isn’t the softest of travel accessories, but it’s ridiculously quick to inflate and wonderfully easy to adjust when it comes to rigidity. It took five short breaths to inflate it fully, and the presence of separate, dedicated inflation and deflation valves cranks up the efficiency. An internal flap in the intake valve means a minimal chance of leaks, too.

Go Travel memory dreamer travel pillow

• Best : For lumbar support
• Material : Polyester
• Weight : 355g
• Dimensions : 26cm x 25.5cm x 12.5cm
• Memory foam core provides great lumbar support
• Thick lining
• No hook to hang it off backpacks

A memory foam core provides great lumbar support along with cushioning for the head and shoulders, and the lining has a surprising thickness – one which suggests that the memory dreamer is more than capable of standing up to some serious wear and tear. There’s no hook to hang it off backpacks, but we loved the buckle-style clip, which meant we could quickly and easily tweak the fit (something which press studs don’t allow).

Outwell dream boat ergo pillow

• Best : Multipurpose travel pillow
• Materials : Polyester
• Weight : 300g
• Dimensions : 50cm x 29cm x 10cm
• Large makes it versatile
• Top-quality memory foam construction
• Provides great support

This pillow is one of the largest we’ve tested, but we can confirm it’s still perfectly suitable for plane journeys, thanks to its amazing squishiness. The upside to its supersized design is that it can be used for camping holidays too, and its versatility is ramped up due to a number of factors.

Firstly, the low-flat valves, which are easy to inflate but won’t snag when the pillow is squashed into small spaces or stashed into backpacks. Add a top-quality memory foam construction, super soft fabric and a shape designed to support not just the head but the back and shoulders too, and you’ve got a one-way ticket to the land of nod.

Travel pillow FAQs

What is the best travel pillow shape.

If you’re lucky enough to be one of those few people whose in-flight discomfort doesn’t come from head bobbing but the displeasure stemming from resting your head against hard surfaces, opt for a travel pillow with a traditional shape, rather than a looping design (another benefit of these is that they’re more versatile, and double as great camping pillows when space is at a premium).

What is the best travel pillow filling?

Don’t make the mistake of insisting on memory foam – although memory foam is usually best when it comes to fantastic support, there are plenty of other fillings (such as lightweight microbeads) which work just as well, while inflatable pillows are handy if you’re short on space.

The verdict: Travel pillows

What’s not to love about a cloud-like neck pillow filled with the finest quality memory foam and precision-engineered to support our head, neck and shoulders? Nothing – which is exactly why Ostrichpillow’s go neck pillow bags the top spot. Snugpak’s butterfly neck pillow comes second for its wonderful versatility while Lifeventure’s inflatable neck pillow earns a special mention for its hat trick of practicality, comfort and value for money.

Make travelling light work with one of these travel backpacks for hiking holidays and city breaks

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The 11 Very Best Travel Pillows

Because in-flight sleep is possible, even in the middle seat..

In this article

Best travel pillow overall.

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

While buying a travel pillow at the airport is always an option, I’ve been sleeping much better on planes since I started planning my in-flight sleep routine ahead of time. A good travel pillow suits your sleeping position, and should pair well with a light-blocking eye mask as well as earplugs to drown out engine noise. And the best travel pillows are not only comfortable but also easy to pack — they shouldn’t be a nuisance once you arrive at your destination.

To find travel pillows for every kind of sleeper and traveler, my fellow Strategist travel writer Rachael Griffiths and I asked frequent fliers for their picks, then tested those out for ourselves on both long-haul and domestic flights. We also spoke to chiropractors about the science behind travel pillows. While you’re here, you may want to check out my guides to the best carry-on luggage and the best refillable toiletry bottles .

Update on August 27, 2024:  Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

What we’re looking for

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

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

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

Packability

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

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: No fill | Thickness: Thin | Packability: Easy

This is the travel pillow I use when I journey from New York City to my hometown of Perth, Western Australia. That’s about 23 hours of flying, and I’ll spend at least half of that time sleeping peacefully thanks to the Trtl. This device is like a scarf crossed with an Elizabethan collar and achieves the main goal of a neck pillow — preventing lateral bending in the neck — thanks to the plastic brace stowed inside its padding. You can adjust this brace and choose which side you prefer nodding off toward.

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

Best less-expensive travel pillow

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

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

Best memory-foam travel neck pillow

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

I’ll admit that sometimes I cheat on my Trtl with Cabeau’s more traditional-looking travel pillow, which is a vast improvement on the ones you can buy at the airport. It’s a U shape, but with slightly raised sides to stop your head from slumping (and supports your jaw to prevent open-mouth breathing, says travel blogger Carmen Sognovi ). It’s made from memory foam, and it has a flattened back, which allows it to be flush with the chair. This helps your spine align with the chair for more comfort (according to Fitzpatrick). But the best feature is the adjustable strap that fastens the travel pillow to a headrest — which prevents you from flopping forward once you’re sound asleep. Once I’m locked into my Cabeau, I have no choice but to sleep, and I’ve successfully snored away for countless hours while wearing it. I’ll also note that while it takes up more space than the Trtl, the Cabeau stuffs easily into a surprisingly chic circular bag that clips to the outside of my backpack or over the luggage handle of my suitcase.

Best inflatable travel neck pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: Adjustable | Easy to pack

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

Best inflatable travel lumbar pillow

Shape: Lumbar pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 2 inches | Packability: Easy

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

Best travel pillow for the middle seat

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 3.5 inches | Packability: Easy

This inflatable pillow is worn like a sash, and it gives you something to loll your head against (apart from the person sitting next to you). On a recent flight to Italy, Griffiths chose the dreaded middle seat on purpose to see how well the Travelrest really works. “I’m obsessed with this hideous inflatable golf club,” says travel writer Teddy Minford, who first told us about the unique travel pillow. “It creates something to lean against, even if you’re in the middle seat.” After testing it, Griffiths agrees with Minford that the pillow gives you something to rest your head against — and she successfully managed to get a few hours of sleep on her early flight. Though she felt herself sloping a little toward the side she was resting on, she was overall impressed with how much the pillow improved the usually uncomfortable experience of middle seating. It was also super-easy to transport: When deflated, it rolls up to the size of an iPhone.

Best travel pillow for the window seat

Shape: Head and neck pillow | Fill: Polyester filling | Thickness: 3 inches | Packability: Easy

The aptly named J-Pillow has a main body that supports the crook of your neck and a cushion extending below the chin to stop your head sliding forward. Mercedes Arielle is a window-seat person and says the J-Pillow is best at cradling her head, shoulder, and chin on flights. For Arielle, that three-pronged support is essential “because I rest my head against the window so I can maximize every inch of my window seat.” Griffiths tried one, too, and liked how the chin cushion didn’t extend too far around her neck and the main body of the pillow opened up in a V-shape so she could really wedge her head inside. The material felt more luxurious than the average travel pillow as well — it has a fleecy lining that you can nuzzle down into. It has become her go-to for train journeys, because it’s cushy enough to absorb the vibrations of the tracks. You can compress the pillow to half its size in a carry bag, then use its loops to attach it to your luggage.

Best travel pillow for tray-table sleeping

Shape: Head pillow  | Fill: Polystyrene microbeads | Thickness: Not listed | Packability: Challenging

Mid-overnight flight, the tray table can begin to look very tempting — but it’s far from a comfortable or stable surface. For some extra padding, Fitzpatrick likes this pillow that’s more like a helmet. It covers all sides, including the forehead, so it can be used in a number of situations. There is a hole for your mouth so you can breathe, but otherwise it’s a pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones all in one. Once out of the box, however, it could be cumbersome to travel with.

Best pillow for traveling with kids

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

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

Best travel knee pillow

Shape: Knee pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: Adjustable | Packability: Easy

Some people can’t fall asleep without a knee pillow — musician Waxahatchee is one of them, and this used to present a problem when she went on tour for months at a time. Because a plush pillow is hard to pack, she found this inflatable one that she says has been life-changing. It takes just three big breaths to blow up and is surprisingly soft. “I don’t overinflate it — I leave a little bit of air out of it so it has a bit of squish,” she says.

Best stuffable travel pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: User’s choice | Thickness: Adjustable | Packability: Average

If you’re flying on a budget airline and trying to pack light , you could opt for this stuffable travel pillow as a way of sneaking extra clothes onto the plane. Jasmine Anderson and Natasha Wilson (travel agents and co-hosts of the podcast Travel Fly Sexy ) both recommend it. “It’s a great hack because you can fit extra T-shirts, shorts, and swimwear into something that no one is looking at you sideways for because it’s a pillow,” says Wilson. And while there are numerous versions of this kind of pillow on the market, I especially like this one because it is covered in a plush fabric for extra comfort and clips at the front for extra neck support.

Some more travel pillows we’ve written about

Our experts

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

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10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

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

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

Short and long flights can be exhausting, which is why creating a soothing space during your journey can help calm any nervousness you may feel during turbulence as well as make catching some Zzz's before you land more likely. Travel accessories — including travel pillows and travel blankets — are easy ways to up your in-flight comfort or improve cat naps during road trips and long train rides.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Travel Neck Pillow

Cabeau evolution s3.

Best Value Travel Pillow

Cabeau evolution classic.

Best Organic Travel Pillow

Avocado organic toddler pillow.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trtl Travel Pillow

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

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

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

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

Ostrich Original Travel Pillow

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

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

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

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

Honeydew Scrumptious Side Pillow

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

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

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

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

BCOZZY Kids Travel Pillow

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

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

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

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

Tuft & Needle Anywhere Travel Pillow

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

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

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

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

BCOZZY Neck Pillow for Travel

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

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

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

J-Pillow Travel Pillow

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

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

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

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

How we chose the best travel pillows

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

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

What to look for when shopping for travel pillows

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are travel pillows worth it?

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

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

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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

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

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

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We tested 4 travel pillows for your return to sleeping on planes. There was one winner.

Sleeping comfortably in economy can feel impossible, but the right pillow can help.

If you have flown in economy, you may feel like airlines are doing everything they can to make the experience uncomfortable. The seats are the opposite of ergonomic. The legroom is minuscule. Given that setup, sleeping on a flight is usually a nightmare.

That has been my experience before the pandemic — and even more so now. Since the complicated return of travel, I have had a tougher time feeling comfortable on planes, let alone sleeping on them. Despite knowing a travel pillow can help with the misery, I chose to skip packing one to have more room in my carry-on bag on my first few pandemic-era flights . That repeat decision led to a painfully craned neck, numb hands and little — if any — sleep.

If I’m going to start taking up precious luggage space for a travel pillow again, it has to be worth it. Travel pillows, like many you see at the airport, can be useless, so not just any option will do.

To see what deserves packing, I tested four pillows over four flights between D.C. and California. Here are my findings.

The illustrated encyclopedia of sleeping positions on a plane

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow, $55

According to the Cushion Lab website , Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop called this pillow “The Tesla of travel pillows.” While I don’t consider myself a Goop person, the claim caught my attention. The company promised an asymmetrical design by an in-house ergonomist that fits under your chin and around your face so you can lean and sleep comfortably with “360° zero pressure neck protection.” It was also the priciest of the bunch at $55, which is more than what I would like to pay for a travel pillow (or a regular pillow, for that matter).

When I unfurled it from its carrying pouch, my first thought was “Ooh this is gooey” — in a good way. The pillow’s fabric felt silky and smooth, encasing something that felt like a hard gel. Apparently that’s the “Hyperfoam,” an “extra dense, dynamically rebounding, proprietary memory foam.”

The case for cutting your airport arrival time dangerously close

I loved the texture of the Cushion Lab contender — and that it squished up smaller than the rest so it took up less space — but I was left wanting more support. Throughout my tests, unless I was leaning back in a specific rigid way (not how I usually fall asleep), I didn’t feel the strong embrace I was looking for in an airplane-friendly neck pillow. Lastly, it fought with my KN95 mask, pushing it up and requiring regular adjusting, but it didn’t really upset a cloth mask.

On the bright side, it looked normal, as far as neck pillows go — unlike my next choice.

Happy Headrest Travel Pillow, $24.99

The Happy Headrest Travel Pillow feels like an option for people who love science fairs. It’s for the infomercial enthusiasts, and the optimists who support crowdfunded inventions on the Internet. It’s a U-shaped contraption that hooks onto a passenger’s tray table, providing a soft ledge for resting face down.

Defying societal norms for a kooky innovation, I set up and leaned onto my bright blue device. Despite looking ridiculous to my fellow passengers, it was surprisingly comfortable. Sinking into the big, juicy pad was a great alternative to crunching my body backward into my seat. This felt like a guilt-free alternative to the controversial recline .

My complaint: You can only really use it to sleep on one side of your head, the side facing the window. After a while, my neck was feeling kinked and uncomfortable, but turning over felt impossible. Unless I’m traveling with the person seated next to me , there’s no way on God’s green earth I would rotate to turn toward a stranger. You’re way too close to your economy-row neighbor to face them; it would be intimate and weird.

How do you actually get those $49 flights? There’s always a catch to airline sales.

It also fit awkwardly in my backpack. It’s 10 ounces and carry-on-friendly, but it can’t fold up so you’ll have to schlep the bulky frame throughout your travels. It does come with a snap-on clip if you want to have it dangle from your luggage.

SeatDreamzzz Wall Pillow, $39.99

If I know I’ll be attempting to sleep on a flight, I always pick a window seat so I can curl up in my little nook without the interruption of my row-mates getting up for the lavatory. The SeatDreamzzz Wall Pillow seemed like the perfect accompaniment.

The pillow is an inflatable L-shape device that looks like a tiny suede couch. According to the company, it’s the first of its kind, designed to rest against a wall to provide support “in one of the most frequently slept-in positions outside of your bed.”

In the era of mask mandates and contagious airborne diseases, I did feel guilty and unsure about removing my mask to inflate the pillow. I figured it was no worse than eating or drinking on the plane and pumped up my accessory. You can make it super firm or keep it a little squishy so you can nestle into it.

Once it was in shape, the challenge was figuring out how to position the pillow against my wall (or window). There wasn’t an “ah ha” moment where I felt like I got it right. Nonetheless, it did provide great support not only for my head, but also for my arm. It’s versatile and has the potential to facilitate some snoozing, plus it deflates into the size of a soda can — allegedly. I just shoved it into my backpack without folding it up tightly.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillow, $29.99

I have long stood by Cabeau’s Evolution Classic neck pillow. It was my go-to pick when I traveled constantly. I’d leave it behind in a cab, hotel lobby, Airbnb and inevitably buy a replacement. Breaking it out for this experiment felt like reuniting with an old friend.

As I had remembered, it is very plush, so there’s not much room for your neck to flop over. There’s an adjustable clamp in the front to make it even more secure, like a more-forgiving neck brace. You can roll it up to make it smaller to pack, although I lost the carrying sack long ago.

What I hate about the Evolution Classic is the fabric. It reminds me of a Greyhound bus seat. Cabeau makes another model, the Evolution Cool, that addresses overheating, but it’s $60. For someone prone to losing travel pillows, I am less inclined to splurge on the upgraded version.

After testing all of the travel pillows, I ultimately returned to the Evolution Classic for napping purposes. It’s not perfect, but it’s a safe and easy bet — no setting it up, no breaking it down. You just whip it out and snooze whether you’re stuck in economy, a train, the bus or a long, long car ride.

The harsh reality is that flying economy is unforgiving on the body, whether you are trying to sleep or not. You can alleviate some of the pain with accessories like a neck pillow. You just have to find the right one for you.

Video editing by Allie Caren.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

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• Home Products

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested on Flights, Train Rides, and Road Trips

Our favorite gives luxury travel pillows a run for their money

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Susan Brickell ; Alessandra Amodio

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.

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

Keep reading for the best travel pillows that 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

Cover is easy to clean

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 10-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. 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. Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Velour

• PHOTO: People / Daniela Galvez

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Quality 4 /5

Comfortable and supportive for long trips

Microbeads conform well to the shape of the head and neck

Soft, breathable, tear-resistant exterior

Cover isn't removable for washing

Doesn't compress, so it's not easily packable

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 is durable, too. Though it doesn't compress, it's filled with lightweight microbeads that conform to the shape of your neck and head. 

We liked how the clasp keeps the pillow 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. Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4 inches | Core Material: Foam beads | Cover Material: Polyester

Best Splurge

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

• Quality 5 /5

Wrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feel

Supports neck and chin to prevent stiffness

Compresses to about half its size

Can get a little warm after a few hours

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow earned perfect scores across the board. 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 neck cushion has a memory foam core, a soft and stretchy machine-washable cover, and an adjustable Velcro closure for a custom fit. It supported our necks and chins, keeping our heads securely in place and preventing stiffness. The pillow also compresses to about half its size for compact packing. The only potential downside is that it gets slightly warm after a few hours. Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 x 3 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Viscose, elastomer

• PHOTO: People / Susan Brickell

Best Neck Support

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

Unique shape supports from the side

Easy to sleep upright

Entire pillow is machine-washable

Odd shape means you can't walk with it on

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 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.

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

• PHOTO: People / Jennifer May

Most Versatile

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

• Portability 4 /5

Packs into itself

Feels almost like a real bed pillow

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

Only comes in patterned designs

We used the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow 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. 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
• Durability 4.5 /5

Preserves hair and prevents skin creases

Substantial feel that doesn't go flat

Can be used on the go or in bed

Laundry bag sold separately

If you want to preserve your blowout or keep skin creases at bay, it's worth bringing a mini silk pillow . We tried this one from Gingerlily and were impressed by the overall quality — the exterior was sumptuously smooth, and the pillow has a substantial feel that resists going flat. This pillow helped us stay comfy for a five-hour excursion and kept our hair sleek and frizz-free. While the whole thing is machine-washable, the suggested laundry bag is sold separately.

We like the petite bed pillow shape, although it is larger than most travel pillows, so you may need to bring it as your personal item for plane travel rather than packing it. Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Core Material: Mulberry silk, polyester | Cover Material: Mulberry silk

Most Durable

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.8 /5

Plush yet supportive

Prevents head bobbing

Stands up to wear and tear

Extra-thick design may take getting used to

The Cabeau's Evolution TNE S3 Pillow has 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, but once we got used to it, we were sold. The chin and headrest straps keep the pillow secure, plus the pillow stays in place and prevents your head from bobbing around.

We used this travel pillow for 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. 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. Backed by a one-year warranty, the TNE S3 Pillow seems like it'll hold up for a long time.

Editors Say

"I used this travel pillow for two nine-hour flights to and from Athens, Greece, and it definitely supported my neck. It keeps your neck from turning too much while you sleep, so you don't wake up with any neck cricks or aches."— Madison Yauger , shopping editor

Dimensions: 11 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester, microsuede

• PHOTO: People / Anna Popp

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Good for hot sleepers

Supportive and firm

Retains shape through repeated compressing

Awkward to position at first

Cabeau's Evolution Cool Pillow is an ideal choice for people who sleep hot. The airy, ventilated design is made to prevent heat from getting trapped in the memory foam, and the cooling design works as promised. We found this neck cushion to be extremely supportive and firm but not too hard. It's slightly awkward to position initially 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. Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow

• Comfort 4 /5

Ergonomic with adjustable fit

Prevents neck strain

Comfortable for long hours

Snug fit takes some getting used to

Thanks to Cushion Lab's ergonomic travel pillow, we were able to sleep comfortably on long car rides and train rides, with no neck pain to speak of afterward. It's very snug, almost like a neck brace, though the strap allows you to adjust the fit. Made of high-density foam and memory foam, it supports your chin, prevents your head from bobbing, and promises to minimize neck strain.

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 a luggage handle. However, it should easily hook to a purse, backpack, or weekender bag . 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

• PHOTO: People / Alessandra Amodio

What to Know About Travel Pillows

"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, the cover should be removable, machine-washable, and dryer-friendly, like our best overall pick, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow .

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 that it 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 — that way, 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.

After researching today's best travel pillows, we selected 24 options to try firsthand.

• Setup: 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.
• Evaluation: 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 how much support they had, if we were able to fall asleep, and whether we were left feeling sore.
• Ratings: 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 contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE, 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 experts for their expertise on what makes a good travel pillow.

Meet Our Expert

Rana Good is a travel expert and lifestyle creator.

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 7 Best Travel Neck Pillows for 2024

J ust like the pillow you use at home, the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.

Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.

Category Navigation Box Enhancement : Best Neck Pillows for Travel

Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "I brought this neck pillow on 15-hour flights to and from New Zealand, and it proved to be a great investment," says Catriona Kendall , editor at U.S. News. "The pillow gave me enough support to sleep comfortably for hours, and I especially loved how I could roll it up into a small pouch and clip it to my personal item ."

Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing. The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable.

Price: $39.99 or less

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Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow

Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.

Price: $29.99 or less

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Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow

The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.

If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.

Price: $64.99 or less

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Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow

If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.

Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.

Price: $49.99 or less

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Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow

Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.

A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.

Price: $23.99 or less

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Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow

While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , senior digital producer at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.

Price: $13.99 or less

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Best for Kids: BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow

The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.

If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.

This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.

Price: $40.97 or less

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You might also be interested in:

• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Compression Socks for Travel
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• How to Get Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport

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• Heritage & Culture

18 Of The Best Things To Do In St Petersburg, Russia

Strategically situated along the Baltic Sea, St Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great as a display of imperial status. Once the capital of the ruling Romanovs, it was also Russia’s first “modern” city. There are lots of wonderful things to do in St Petersburg.

It is still one of the country’s busiest ports and retains much of its old grandeur through its fabulous palaces and grand museums. The city is also lined with waterways and canals, as well as the broad Neva River, leading to it being called the “Venice of the North”. Here are some of the best things to do in St Petersburg:

1 State Hermitage Museum

St Petersburg has some of the finest museums in the world, and the best of these is the Hermitage Museum. This vast museum was founded by Catherine the Great in 1764 has over three million items, though only a small part is on display. Spread out over six buildings along the Neva River, including the magnificent Winter Palace, it would take you weeks to cover the entire collection. Apart from the displays of coins, antiques, sculptures, and artifacts, it houses the largest collection of paintings in the world. There are works by Rembrandt, van Gogh, Titian, Rubens, and Picasso. Also don’t miss the Impressionist Art Collection in neighbouring General Staff Building, and the Hermitage cats.

2 Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood

The multi-coloured and five-domed Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood lies along the Griboyedov Canal. It is St Petersburg’s most elaborate church. Completed in 1907, it is built in the medieval style to resemble Moscow’s iconic St Basil’s Cathedral. It also serves as a memorial to the “tsar liberator” Alexander II who he was fatally wounded at this very spot in 1881. The church also has over 7,500 square metres of mosaics spread across the inside and the outside.

3 Taking a cruise along the canals

St Petersburg is crisscrossed by over 80 rivers and canals, giving it the name “Venice of the North”. You can stroll along these waterways and explore the city’s stunning architecture, or take one of the many boat tours that explore the Neva River and the larger canals. Just remember that the river is completely covered in ice, so the cruises don’t run.

4 Peterhof Palace and Gardens

The Peterhof Palace and Gardens complex, originally constructed by Tsar Peter the Great, is one of St Petersburg’s most impressive landmarks. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, it sits just outside the city and overlooks a cascade of fountains and gardens. The gardens of this summer palace are also famous for their intricate designs and creative arrangements.

5 Fabergé Museum and Kunstkamera

The wonderful Shuvalovsky Palace is home the largest collection of artefacts by famous jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé; including the exquisite imperial Fabergé eggs that once belonged to the royal family in pre-revolutionary Russia.

You can also visit the the Kunstkamera, which was founded in 1714 by Peter the Great himself. This Museum of Ethnology and Anthropology is part ghoulish collection of deformed animals and odd body parts, and part fascinating exhibits and dioramas of rare objects and cultural practices from around the world

6 Watch the Russian ballet

St Petersburg is famous for its ballet. And, one of the best places to go and see it is the grand  Mariinsky Theatre , a spectacular venue for ballet and opera. Opened in 1859, this opulent building is one of Russia’s most loved institutions. It has seen performances by many greats, including Anna Pavlova and Vaslav Nijinsky. You can also check out the  Mikhailovsky Theatre , founded in 1833 by Tsar Nicolas I.

7 St Isaac’s Cathedral

Constructed in the 19th century by Tsar Alexander I, St Isaac’s Cathedral was once one of the tallest buildings in St Petersburg. Even today, it remains remains the largest Orthodox basilica and the fourth largest cathedral in the world. The sumptuous interiors are decorated with pure gold and semiprecious stones. It was converted into a museum by the Soviet government, though regular worship has since resumed. Don’t forget to climb to the top of the colonnade that runs around the dome for panoramic views of the city.

8 Catherine Palace

This beautiful blue palace was created as the centrepiece of Tsarskoe Selo, a royal suburb, under Empresses Elizabeth and, later, Catherine the Great. Its rich interiors and intricately decorated rooms recreate 18th century Royal life. Don’t miss the world-famous Amber Room that disappeared during World War II and was recently recreated.

Also Read:  Visit Some of the Most Precious Treasures Around the World

9 Visit a bathhouse

The Russian banya, or bathhouse, once played a central role in family life. They are still enjoyed today, though as more of a luxury than a necessity. Visit one of St Petersburg’s many bathhouses to experience this age-old tradition. For an authentic experience, thwack yourself with the bundle of aromatic twigs provided (which is said to improve blood circulation), and follow it up with a cold plunge into an icy pool.

10 Peter and Paul Fortress

Visit the historical Peter and Paul Fortress that covers most of Hare Island in the Neva River. It was established by Peter the Great in 1703 as one of the very first buildings in the city. Though it was meant to be a defensive fort, it was instead used as a political prison. Inside the fortress lies the Peter and Paul Cathedral which is also the final resting place of most of the imperial Romanov family.

11 Russian Museum

Housed in the neoclassical Mikhailovsky Palace, the State Russian Museum has the biggest collection of Russian fine art in the city. Form ancient church icons to 20th-century paintings, its magnificent collection includes 400,000 works. Among these are pieces by famous artists like Bryullov, Repin, Goncharova, Aivazovksy, and Vasnetsov.

12 Explore the magnificent subway stations

Russia is full of beautiful train stations, and St Petersburg is no different. Here, taking the subway is not only a convenient way to get around, but it is also a unique experience. The stations are decorated with ornate tiles, colourful designs, and even installations and statues. No two stations are alike. Some subway station you shouldn’t miss include Pushkinskaya, Bucharestskaya, Avtovo, Zvenigorodskaya, and Sportivnaya.

Also Read:  22 Of The Most Beautiful Train Stations Around the World

13 Yusupov Palace

This spectacular palace is located on the Moyka River and was once the main residence of the noble and wealthy House of Yusupov. The palace is known for its luxurious 19th-century interiors with halls decked out in silks, tapestries, and even gilded chandeliers. However, it is also famous for being where Grigory Rasputin was assassinated in 1916 – something that — ended up being far more difficult than the conspirators imagined (he survived being poisoned and shot by Prince Felix Yusupov and his co-conspirators, finally succumbing to hypothermia after being dumped in the Moyka River). Remember that the tour of the rooms where this happened takes place only once a day and requires an additional fee.

14 Alexander Nevsky Monastery

Named for Alexander of Novgorod, the patron saint of St Petersburg, this is the city’s oldest and most prominent monastery. It is said to sit on the site where Alexander of Novgorod beat back the Swedes in 1240 (though this is contested). The monastery became a larva (the most senior of Russian Orthodox monasteries) in 1797 and is still working today. Look out for the graves of famous Russian artists around the grounds.

15 Eat delicious Russian food

No visit to St Petersburg would be complete without sampling the delicious Russian cuisine on offer. Try pyshkas , tasty sugar-coated Russian doughnuts, and classic borscht , or beetroot soup. Another favourite is chicken Kiev (stuffed chicken breast that is fried or baked), as are Russian dumplings, or pelmeni .

16 Vyborg Castle

Set atop an islet in Vyborg Bay, this castle was originally built by the Swedish in 1293. Though it has seen many16th-century alterations, you can still explore the original whitewashed St Olaf’s Tower for some stunning views. There are also many exhibition halls and the museum on local history.

17 Street Art Museum & Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art

Located slight far away from the city centre are two of St Petersburg’s most well-known modern art museums. The Street Art Museum in Petrograd is set inside a 11-hectare former industrial site and features huge murals and mixed-media installations by top artists from around the globe.

The Erarta Museum of Contemporary Art is located on Vasilievsky Island, and has a permanent collection of over 2,300 pieces of Russian contemporary art spread over five floors. There are also regular temporary exhibitions and concerts.

18 Go see the city’s drawbridges

When St Petersburg was first built, its canals were intended to be the city’s main roads. However, the first bridges were constructed in the 18th century, and now its havd almost 350 of them. The most famous of these lie across the Neva River, and are lit up and drawn up at night to allow large boats and ships to pass through. Go see this beautiful sight at the famous Palace Bridge, or at the Troitsky Bridge.

Of course, there are lots of other things to do in St Petersburg. If we’ve missed any, e sure to share them in the comments below.

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Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Airplanes - Travel Neck Pillow for Sleeping - Airplane Pillow for Neck Support, Chin, Lumbar and Leg - Adjustable, Bendable Neck Roll Pillow

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• Provides Custom Support - Unlike most traditional neck travel pillows for airplanes, our twistable travel pillows contour to almost any shape and position you want to provide you personalized support and pain relief.
• Not Just A Neck Pillow - Dot&Dot travel neck pillows for airplanes are versatile and convertible. Use it to support your head, back, shoulder, or cervical spine during a nap, when relaxing or reading on the bed, recliner or couch.
• Must Have Plane Travel Essentials - This flight pillow makes sleeping more comfortable long air plane flight, train, bus or car road trip. The luxury memory foam cushions the body and relieves painful pressure points for ultimate relaxation.
• Easy To Clean - Our memory foam pillow is covered with a breathable, machine washable cotton cover so you can easily keep your plane pillow clean and fresh for your next adventure or trip.
• Easy To Carry - With its snap closure, this cushion can be attached to your carry on luggage or backpack. It also allows you to secure the pillow around your neck or headrest to use as a car pillow.

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Born from our family's insatiable wanderlust, Dot&Dot sprang to life in the midst of airport layovers. Our founder and her family, avid travelers, yearned for travel products that truly met their needs. Thus, Dot&Dot was born—a brand fueled by passion and a desire for innovative, comfortable travel solutions. Join us as we script the chapters of travel, where every product reflects our deep love for travel.

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Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar

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• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 61% 18% 11% 5% 5% 61%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 61% 18% 11% 5% 5% 18%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 61% 18% 11% 5% 5% 11%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 61% 18% 11% 5% 5% 5%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 61% 18% 11% 5% 5% 5%

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Customers say

Customers like the comfort, flexibility, and neck support of the body positioner. They mention it's very comfortable, has a smooth fabric, and can twist and bend into different shapes. Some appreciate the quality and adjustability of the product.

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Customers like the comfort of the body positioner. They mention it's very comfortable foam, super soft, and provides good support. Some say the fabric is smooth and the memory foam is very nice.

"...Soft, but firm enough to support.The cover is soft and easy to wash (air dries quickly in hotel room). Great for car or airplane...." Read more

"...The pillow is very bendable and comfortable to use . This is a great pillow." Read more

"...It is comfortable and I could clip it on to my backpack to make it easy to carry...." Read more

"...my neck is 15 inches and snaps barely meet, plus makes me feel like I am being choked ...." Read more

Customers like the flexibility of the body positioner. They mention it's firm yet bendable, and can twist and bend into different shapes to support their necks. They also appreciate that they can rotate and adjust it significantly. In addition, they say it stabilizes their heads and they like that they're able to contort it to the right angle and shape that gives the best support.

"I love how bendable this pillow is - able to support your head/neck in various positions whether you’re in an airplane middle seat or next to the..." Read more

"...It is also great for sleeping with it on my side. The pillow is very bendable and comfortable to use. This is a great pillow." Read more

"...I was pleased with the comfort of the pillow and the flexible options for use . I actually confiscated my husband's and used both...." Read more

"...Not only is it comfortable but I can twist it into shapes I need to get comfortable when leaning against a glass window, even just to read a book..." Read more

Customers like the neck support of the body positioner. They say it's comfortable, flexible, and provides the right amount of support. It allows them to relax their heads into it and still breathe. It works great for neck and back support and is comfortable for traveling.

"I love how bendable this pillow is - able to support your head /neck in various positions whether you’re in an airplane middle seat or next to the..." Read more

"...I used it when I was on a bus and it helped me be able to sleep comfortable . It is also great for sleeping with it on my side...." Read more

"...I especially appreciate the lumbar support —it’s a game changer for long trips...." Read more

"The pillow works well for sleeping comfortably , however; it does not have a good way to attach to a back pack or anything else...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the pillow. They mention it's nice, the memory foam makes it a little heavy, and it'll be the best neck pillow they've found so far. They also appreciate the design, flexibility, and firmness. Overall, customers are happy with the product's quality and mention it will be usable as a pillow.

"...The pillow is very bendable and comfortable to use. This is a great pillow ." Read more

"...PROS- Lavender color is beautiful - Nice to have the option of using it multiple ways.-..." Read more

"...Quite nice and stylish !" Read more

"... It's very good ...." Read more

Customers like the adjustable capability of the body positioner. They mention it's soft, can be adjusted to fit all their sleeping preferences, and support their necks. Some say it seems to adjust to a great shape around their neck.

"...As I was sleeping on the plane, I could easily adjust it as I changed positions . No odor from the foam or other materials inside...." Read more

"...The memory foam is incredibly plush, and the adjustable design makes it easy to find the perfect position...." Read more

"...pillow is soft, the fabric is smooth and comfy, and the unit holds the positions you desire . It's the best travel pillow I've owned." Read more

"...use for flights in my opinion, and I would buy again for the great adjustability level ." Read more

Customers like the travel value of the body positioner. They mention it's great for traveling, the best travel pillow they've owned, and portable. It provides neck support, which makes it perfect for long flights or car rides. Customers also say it'll be ideal for packing in their suitcases. They also mention it helps make long flights more bearable and is useful simply as a small pillow.

"This pillow is great for traveling . I used it when I was on a bus and it helped me be able to sleep comfortable...." Read more

"...It's the best travel pillow I've owned." Read more

"...worked very well, loved being able to move it around as it helped a lot for being in a window seat on the way..." Read more

" Great for traveling ! Comfortable & nice fabric." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the durability of the body positioner. Some mention it's well-made, reliable, and versatile. Others say the snap isn't strong enough to hold the pillow closed.

"...Highly recommend it for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile travel companion!" Read more

"...It does sound loud, like cracking bones , but it’s a cool feature to not have it only wrapped around your neck." Read more

"...Easy to bend and change configuration.- Overall quality is great .- Ability to remove cover and was it, is a real plus...." Read more

"...Kudos to them for warning us that it could break easily . Better not twist it, or bend it too sharply...." Read more

Customers dislike the bulkiness of the body positioner. They mention it's too heavy, cumbersome to carry when traveling, and too thick.

"...I didn't give it 5 stars because it is a little bulky and there were times I couldn't quite get it positioned well-I tend to drop my head forward..." Read more

"...It has a very short snap that is hard to use and I didn’t feel confident the snap was going to stay attached to my bag." Read more

"... Great for car or airplane . Very portable - bends in half to easily fit in backpack." Read more

"...CONS- TOO SHORT ! Circumference of my neck is 15 inches and snaps barely meet, plus makes me feel like I am being choked...." Read more

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