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If you have been on a long-haul flight or any long road trip for that matter, you would know how uncomfortable it is to get some shut-eye. You rest maybe for 10 to 15 minutes until you wake up from the sore feeling in your neck. This is where a pillow comes in handy. A travel sleeping pillow can help to relieve pressure by providing adequate neck support, which helps you sleep better.
In this article, we will share some of the best travel sleeping pillows of 2024. So, don’t scroll away just yet, and check out the list below!
Our Top Picks
Best for Lightweight Support: TRTL Travel Pillow
Best Budget: Cabeau Air Tne
Best Ergonomic Design: Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Pillow
Best Luxury: Sleeper Hold Travel Pillow
Best Overall: WANDER+ Pillow
Best Versatility: Snugl Travel Pillow
Best for Ultralight Travel: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow
Best Innovative Design: OstrichPillow Go Neck Pillow
Types of Travel Pillows
There are many travel pillows out on the market, each designed to meet the different needs of travelers. The most common types of travel pillows are:
- Inflatable Pillows: Inflatable pillows are usually lightweight and compact. They can be inflated and adjusted for your comfort level.
- Memory Foam Pillows: Memory foam pillows provide good support by conforming to your head and neck. This is good for those who prefer comfort.
- Microbead Travel Pillows: These pillows are filled with tiny polystyrene beads and they move around easily, allowing the shape of the pillow to change and conform to your neck.
- U-shaped Pillows: U-shaped pillows are the most classic travel pillows. It wraps around your neck, providing support on both sides of your head.
- Wrap-Around Pillows: Wrap-around pillows are pillows that wrap completely around your neck, offering 360-degree support.
8 Best Travel Sleeping Pillow Brands
1. TRTL Travel Pillow
Ranked as ‘Best for Lightweight Support’ option.
What we like: It was very lightweight and easy to use. All you need to do is to adjust the internal support to a comfortable position and wrap it around your neck.
What we don’t like: The support feels awkward and uncomfortable at times. Needs constant adjustments.
The TRTL pillow is designed for a comfortable sleeping experience while travelers are on their way to their destinations. Its unique design offers extra neck support by mimicking the comfort of a neck brace. This helps to prevent discomfort and the risk of getting a sore neck while on long-haul flights.
This pillow is also made to be lightweight and compact so that you can bring it anywhere and everywhere. Overall, this pillow is ideal for those who are looking to rest well on a plane, train, or car ride.
User ratings: 4.8/5 Stars
Color: Grey, Black, Red, Coral
Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Lightweight and compact
- Soft fleece material
- Machine washable
- Versatile positioning
Price: $86
2. Cabeau Air Tne
Rated as ‘Best Budget’ option.
What we like: It comes with extra support, also known as a head catch technology to prevent the “bobblehead” movement. This makes it ideal for bumpy trips on the road or long journeys on the plane.
What we don’t like: The pillow can feel a bit bulky for some travelers and it is not very comfortable if you are used to sleeping with your head towards the side.
The Cabneau Air Tne travel pillow is said to provide the best comfort and support for long journeys. With innovative head catch technology, it allows travelers to rest in a safe and stable position without experiencing the dreaded “bobblehead” movement. It is similar to a traditional travel pillow but with an inflatable cushion.
Additionally, it comes with a removable and washable cover for easy maintenance as well as a 360-degree support to reduce neck strain. This pillow is by far the most affordable option for travelers who are looking for a decent travel pillow.
User ratings: 4.7/5 Stars
Color: Slate Grey, Midnight Black, Royal Blue
Features:
- Inflatable
- 360-Degree Support
- Ultra-Soft Cover
- Adjustable Strap
- Removable and Washable Cover
- Made with breathable materials
Price: $24.99
3. Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Pillow
Rated as ‘Best Ergonomic Design’ option.
What we like: It has a unique, soft face-cradling bolster that surrounds your neck for adequate support.
What we don’t like: The neck support goes up quite high which can feel like a neck brace. It is also not made for people with shorter necks in mind.
The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Pillow is crafted to provide travelers with good comfort and support. It is designed to provide optimal neck and head support so that you can maintain a comfortable position throughout the day and avoid neck strain.
As a whole, it is made with good-quality materials and adjustable features that allows you to customize the type of support that you need. If you are looking for a good ergonomic designed pillow for you next travel, this makes a great choice.
User ratings: 4.6/5 Stars
Color: 12 Types (Grey, Black, Navy, etc.)
Features:
- 360-Degree Face Cradle
- Compact and Portable
- Pressure-relieving Memory Foam Pillow
- Elastic Strap for Stability
- Removable and Washable Cover
Price: $55
4. Sleeper Hold Travel Pillow
Ranked as ‘Best Luxury’ option.
What we like: This is one of the most unique pillows we have seen. Unlike traditional u-shaped or neck pillows, this one attaches to your headrest to support your head and neck entirely.
What we don’t like: The pillow does come a little bit too thick so it can be difficult to rest your head comfortably.
The SleeperHold Travel Pillow is a patented design, created to gently support your head and prevent “bobblehead” movements during travel. It has a unique holding mechanism that keeps the pillow securely in place, reducing the likelihood of neck strain for a restful sleep. It also comes with an attachable eye mask patch to stimulate a dark environment for sleeping.
The pillow’s adjustable features also allow for a customized fit, accommodating various sleeping positions and preferences. This pillow combines durability with softness for an enjoyable travel experience.
User ratings: 4.7/5 Stars
Color: Black
Features:
- Safety Clips
- Eye Mask Patches
- Micro-bead Pillow
- Multipurpose Seat Strap
Price: $99
5. WANDER+ Pillow
Ranked as ‘Best Overall’ option.
What we like: It fits snugly around the neck, helping to support your head and neck. It almost feels as if you are sleeping on your side because of the way it rests slightly against your chin and lower cheek.
What we don’t like: It is not ideal for people who are taller and you need to wrap it quite tightly to get enough support.
The WANDER+ Pillow is designed to offer exceptional comfort and support for travelers on the go. It comes with a patented neck log technology to fit any neck shape, jaw, and shoulders. The pillow also helps to relieve stress on your spine and muscles so that you can sleep deeper for longer.
It is also apparently scientifically proven to be better than the regular U-shaped pillows so you can be sure that this will be worth every dollar.
User ratings: 4.6/5 Stars
Color: Grey
Features:
- 360-Degree Support for Neck and Chin
- Adjustable Neck Pillow
- Compact and Portable
- Lightweight
- Memory Foam Material
Price: $80
6. Snugl Travel Pillow
Ranked as ‘Best Versatility’ option.
What we like: You can use it in multiple different directions and it comes in different sizes so that it fits well.
What we don’t like: It’s bulkier and firmer than most travel pillows, making it difficult to carry around.
The Snugl travel pillow is made to adapt to an individual’s unique neck shape and support it adequately. It reduces the likelihood of waking up with back aches or neck pains that are commonly seen with other normal travel pillows.
The plush fabric used also adds a soft, cozy feel, while the memory foam interior molds to the shape of your neck for a personalized fit.
User ratings: 4.6/5 Stars
Color: 13 Types (Black, Navy, Yellow, etc.)
Features:
- 360-Degree Support
- Visco-Elastic Memory Foam
- Lightweight and Portable
- Machine Washable
- Adjustable Fit
Price: $42.95
7. Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow
Ranked as ‘Best for Ultralight Travel’ option.
What we like: This pillow is very compact and fits easily into your travel pack. It can also be quickly inflated and adjusted for your comfort.
What we don’t like: The back part of this pillow does not offer enough support as we had hoped for, so the neck still leans slightly at an uncomfortable position.
Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow is termed as ‘the ultimate travel companion’. With it being very compact and travel-friendly, you can have it with you easily on the go. The pillow is also made from brushed 50D polyester knit that fits over a supportive air bladder and a narrower neck area. It helps to support the neck with a snug fit.
User ratings: 4.8/5 Stars
Color: Lime, Navy Blue, Magenta
Features:
- Inflatable Pillow
- Made with 50D Polyester Knit
- Oversized, Ergonomically-Shaped Arms
- Adjustable Neck Closure
Price: $49.95
8. OstrichPillow Go Neck Pillow
Ranked as ‘Best Innovative Design’ option.
What we like: It nicely supports your neck and the sides of your face with the adjustable velcro closure. You can adjust how tight or how loose you want it to be. It also has a soft material.
What we don’t like: This pillow makes it difficult to use earbuds. It pushes and rests against the earbuds in a slightly uncomfortable and painful way.
The Go Neck Pillow comes with a sleek, ergonomic design that can be adjusted for the best comfort and support. It is not only easy to carry around, but it is also soft to the touch. Made with 95% viscose material, it is highly breathable so that you will not overheat when using it for an extended period.
User ratings: 4.7/5 Stars
Color: Midnight Grey, Blue Reef, Deep Blue, Dark Night, Forest Snooze
Features:
- Ergonomic 360º Design
- Removable Sleeve
- Memory Foam Core
- Adjustable Velcro Closure
- Machine Washable
Price: $69
What to Look for in a Travel Pillow
If you are looking to purchase a travel pillow for your next road trip or flight, the most important feature to look out for is comfort. Going for a long-haul trip is often uncomfortable, especially when you are sitting upright with a stiff headrest.
Ideally, you should look for a pillow that can provide an adequate amount of neck support to prevent discomfort and soreness during your long trip. This support is important in maintaining proper spine alignment and reducing strain on the neck and shoulders.
Here are also some other features to consider below.
Filling material
A travel pillow should be filled with good filling material for the right level of support and pressure relief. For example, memory foam pillows are known to conform to the shape of your neck, providing customized support and relieving pressure on the neck. This provides exceptional comfort for users.
Down alternative pillows or pillows filled with buckwheat hulls can also provide good support for the best sleeping experience.
Versatility of product
You should also think about how you would like to use this pillow, whether it is only for use on flights or for other modes of transportation. Consider getting a U-shaped pillow, neck pillow, or an inflatable pillow if you want a versatile pillow that can be used in multiple settings.
Benefits of Using a Travel Pillow
Using a travel pillow can help you fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality during long trips. This is because it provides adequate comfort and support.
However, there are more benefits to using a travel pillow, such as:
Prevents neck pain
A travel pillow can help to align your neck and spine, improving your posture. This helps to prevent neck strain as you sit for prolonged hours in the car, train, or flight.
Reduces snoring
One of the unpleasant effects of sitting in an uncomfortable or wrong position is snoring. It occurs when there is an obstruction or narrowing of the airway, causing the throat tissues to vibrate.
Using a travel pillow can help alleviate and align your head and neck so that your airway can open up properly. This helps to reduce the occurrence of snoring.
See also: Best Anti-Snoring Pillows of 2024
Reduces fatigue
Traveling long hours can be exhausting especially when it is hard to find a comfortable position to sleep in. A travel pillow provides the comfort and support for a more effective rest, helping you to sleep and wake up refreshed.
Prevents back pain
Another thing about long journeys is that they can put a lot of strain on your lower back, causing discomfort and pain. A travel pillow helps to support your upper body, reducing the stress on your spine.
When your neck and back are properly aligned, it helps to prevent back pain and discomfort.
How To Sleep Better With a Travel Pillow
Sleeping anywhere else but on your bed is often challenging, but using a travel pillow can be a temporary solution to help you feel more comfortable so that you can sleep well. Some tips to help you maximize the benefits of your travel pillow include:
- Choosing the Right Pillow: Choose a travel pillow that best suits your needs. Whether it is memory foam, inflatable pillow, or U-shaped pillow, ensure that it aligns with your comfort level.
- Adjust the Pillow Properly: Position the pillow properly so that it fully supports both your head and neck. Ideally, it should be positioned such that your head doesn’t fall forward or tilt too much.
- Relax Your Muscles: Once you have placed the pillow, take deep breaths and allow your body to relax. Being overly tense defeats the purpose of using a pillow as it can make it difficult to fall asleep.
- Use Additional Support: For added comfort, try using a small blanket or jacket along with your pillow to support your lumbar area. This can relieve pressure on your lower back and make your sleep position more comfortable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best travel pillow is highly dependent on your personal needs and preferences. Before buying a travel sleeping pillow for your next trip, always consider whether it can support the neck well, your sleeping position as well as customer reviews.
There are also plenty of other ways to get a good night’s sleep while traveling. One solution is the ShutEye® app. ShutEye® helps you to keep track of your sleep habits and offers personalized recommendations to improve your sleep quality. Try it today!
