In case you travel on a regular basis, and especially if you have sleep apnea then you definitely need to get some sleep which can get difficult at times. Travel pillows are the best companion to have in this case, whether you are on a plane flight, or on a train or bus. These specifically designed pillows will ensure you get sufficient relaxation and is the most effective solutions really to leave any discomfort behind.
Many of these travel pillows are also CPAP mask-friendly so no need to worry you will stay behind in your treatment while on the go. Still, deciding which is the best travel pillow for you might not be as easy as you think. There is a prevalent opinion among the public that are ineffective and don’t help much.
Still, our view is that there are plenty of quality products which promise and can deliver great. Nowadays, they come in different shapes, styles and materials and there are plenty of options from which you can choose the one that suits you best.
In the Post
Don’t just settle for the first travel pillow you will find. Whereas the common case was to buy an inflatable neck pillow, there is now the option of choosing between an air inflatable travel pillow and one that comes with memory foam inside.
We would suggest that you give the second option some consideration, and also pay attention to the ones with lumbar designs for ultimate support.
Here’s what’s coming next in this post:
Which Travel Pillow is Right for Me?
If you are looking to buy your next travel pillow, then your decision should be based on three things: first off, which is your sleeping position, how much weight can you carry in terms of the pillow, and lastly, how flexible do you prefer the pillow to be? Let’s take a closer look at these three aspects.
When traveling, it is important to determine which your favorite position to snooze is. Each person has a particular favorite way of sleeping, usually the one which feels more comfortable. Since here we are not exactly talking about sleeping in a regular bed, it is likely that there aren’t plenty of options on how you sleep.
Still, the possibility is you will need a pillow around your neck to help rest your head against your shoulder. This is the most common sleeping position when you are confined in a limited space such as an airplane seat etc. This is the most usual type of travel pillow you will find, and it’s called travel neck pillow.
Another similar position, is to rest your head to the side for example on the wall of an airplane or as part of the seat. A travel pillow will also accommodate for this type of sleeping position.
So, you decided which kind of pillow you need. Next, you must consider what happens when you don’t use it. This simply means, how much space will it take and where to put it when not in use. Also, you don’t want it to be hefty.
The most convenient ones as far as this aspect is concerned, are inflatable travel pillows. On the contrary, memory foam pillows don’t allow the luxury to pack them in a suitcase or bag. Therefore, if you are getting a memory foam pillow, just make sure you have space to put it and that you can carry it around in general. Thankfully, the majority of travel pillows come in a size small enough to store it away in a bag.
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There is one other significant element to consider when you make up your mind on which model is the best for you. Can the pillow be adjusted to your needs? For instance, does it allow to add air in addition to the solid center it has? There are cases when you will need a harder pillow so it is good to have that option available.
In case you are on a long haul flight, there are specific airplane travel pillows designed to fit the purpose with much more enhanced support; a travel pillow for the car ride is different in terms of price and flexibility, so it’s also worth considering.
One other thing to consider is whether you need a flat pillow or one that curls around your neck. When it comes to neck pillows, the most recommended ones are those which cling around your neck for extra support.
If you are going camping though, the best travel pillow is more likely a flat one as it is probably more comfortable. Remember that the best pillow is based on your individual preferences and there is no fixed answer.
What Kind of Travel Neck Pillow is Best?
Since neck pillows are usually the most common ones, we take a closer look into these before we go on to have a look at the recommended products in this list. That said, there are two travel neck pillows, supportive and displacement.
A displacement neck pillow is one which easily acclimatizes to the shape of your head and neck so it is easier to sleep during traveling.
Nevertheless, if you prefer a stronger and firmer neck support, then consider a supportive memory foam pillow as this a better orthopedic option. This could be following a neck surgery or if you suffer from a chronic neck condition.
Why Should I Consider a Memory Foam Travel Pillow?
Whereas inflatable travel pillows used to be the norm, nowadays brands introduce memory foam travel pillows as a better solution. This is due to a number of reasons:
- They relieve sensitive areas from pressure: Materials like viscoelastic or memory foam are perfect to use for travel neck pillows since they can conform to the shape of the neck and head easily. This soothes any pain in the sensitive areas.
- They have a soft feel and support the body well: The soft touch and supportive feel of memory foam pillows will result in excellent blood circulation and sufficient relaxation throughout a journey.
- Can potentially reduce sleep apnea and snoring: Travel neck pillows made of memory foam can fit the shape of your neck so your air passages operate without obstruction. This helps reduce instances of snoring and sleep apnea.
- They are durable and you can easily maintain them: A memory foam pillow is easy to maintain as it often comes with a removable cover which is washable and in addition the material is quite durable so you can rest assure your memory foam travel pillow will last for years.
- They are healthy: One great benefit for health with memory foam travel pillows is how they are hypoallergenic and resist dust mites so you don’t have to worry about your allergies or being prone to mites when you travel.
Overall, it is worth investing in memory foam travel pillows as these can pay off loads in terms of comfort, health, and durability.
Top 7 Best Travel Pillows Reviews
- Filling: Memory Foam
- Weight: 11.7 ounces
Trtl Pillow
This product is a great choice for a pillow that clings around your neck to conform to your shape and support you adequately.
The Trtl pillow is one infamous travel neck pillow which delivers high-quality support for your neck and head while you are on a long-haul flight. It is the perfect solution to hold your neck in an ergonomic position and help avoid any neck pressure while you travel.
The secret rests inside the soft fleece; it has a neck-supporting mechanism which will leave you feeling comfortable throughout your flight.
The Trtl pillow has the sort of super soft texture you will fall in love with. It feels so smooth with its fleece fabric and is machine washable, so you don’t need to worry about cleaning it.
It has a simple and effective way of putting it on; just choose which side of your head you prefer to be supported and wrap the pillow around your neck, then secure the Velcro strap and you are all done. The brace will fit the neck and jaw for extra support.
The Trtl pillow is also super light, at just 148 gr, so it is really ideal if you tend to exceed your hand luggage allowance. Just fold it and slip it into your bag to carry it with you.
Overall, this pillow is the perfect replacement for those of you who don’t like the u-shaped memory foam pillow.
Pros
- Amazing for long-haul flights and provides perfect neck support throughout
- Can maintain your neck in an ergonomic position
- Super lightweight and easy to carry
- Can be attached on your luggage
- Soft touch
- Machine washable
- Appropriate if you are 16 years old or more
Comfortable Travel Pillow by Crafty World
This product is a great solution if you suffer from chronic shoulder, neck and upper back pain.
Whether you travel by plane, car, train or other means of transport, this pillow is the perfect match for your needs. Its soft texture and memory foam inside will ensure you relax and experience all the comfort you need for an enjoyable sleep.
In case your problems have risen from traveling, rest assure the Comfortable Travel Pillow will improve your condition. It has a therapeutic design which is scientifically proven to alleviate any pain and the hugging thermo-sensitive memory foam is both soft and durable while it molds perfectly to your neck for a perfect fit.
The removable micro fiber pillowcase made of super soft velour is washable and thus you can easily maintain it.
A highly recommended neck pillow at an affordable price.
Pros
- Perfect fit thanks to the thermo-sensitive memory foam
- Scientifically proven to relieve from chronic shoulder, neck, and upper back pain
- It has a versatile design which makes it ideal for home and office use, as well as in planes, cars and trains
- Comes in a super soft washable cover
- Can be carried with ease
- A few complain that the pillow pushes your head forward yet only if you don’t recline your seat to a position where your pillow feels comfortable
Aeris Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
Τhe Aeris is a very comfortable travel pillow which offers a great balance of softness and neck support. Definitely a favorable pick on this list.
The Aeris is like match-made in heaven if you are into comfort and neck support when it comes to traveling.
The manufacturers of this product have done an extremely good job dealing with neck support as the memory foam inside adapts to your neck and head perfectly, while keeps you in an upright position.
The memory foam is very responsive while the pillow is designed with ventilation holes to prevent heat retention, so it is unlikely you will experience any discomfort from heat gathered due to the lack of airflow.
Also, special care has been taken to aerate the pillow for at least 7 days once produced, so you will receive your pillow free of odors due to the memory foam filling.
We really like the soft exterior and how it is removable and washable so it’s easy to maintain and comes handy if you travel often. Plus, the velour cover is dust mites and allergens resistant.
The Aeris comes with a carry bag to roll it and store easily. This saves space and rolls up better than most memory foam pillows. Also, the Aeris has some other cool accessories to go along, like earplugs, sleeping mask, and adjustable toggles.
Overall, this is the perfect solution for a comfortable yet simple travel neck pillow which does exceptionally well at providing the kind of comfort and support you need as its versatile design makes it ideal for use in a variety of places, including home, cars, planes, trains, and buses.
Pros
- Memory foam used is comfortable, contours to the neck and is very responsive
- Comes with cool accessories: earplugs, sleeping mask, carry bag, velour cover, and adjustable toggles
- Features ventilation holes for heat retention and improved airflow
- Versatile design makes it ideal for use in a variety of places/travels
- No distinct smell as the pillows are aerated for 7 days following production
- Does not support the chin
Cabeau Evolution Memory Foam Travel Pillow
This pillow is a must-have pillow if you are a music lover who happens to travel a lot.
It’s a favorite of us in terms of design and features as it comes enhanced with improved memory foam specs to keep your head and neck upright and as comfortable as it gets.
The memory foam has a soft touch and is flexible while also comfortable, whereas the pillow has a soft, cozy fabric exterior which you will like and you will be happy to know it is washable.
The highlight is in the 360-degree wrap-around design which supports the neck and head no matter how you choose to learn to fall asleep. This means that if you tend to drop your head forward which causes sore neck, the Cabeau Evolution travel pillow will ensure you don’t get this sort of discomfort.
An added advantage is that the Cabeau is designed with a flat back cushion and raised side supports to minimize any neck pain and ensure that your head doesn’t get pushed forwards which is a common problem with travel pillows when seated.
What makes the Cabeau Evolution travel pillow distinct is the earplugs included while there is also a side pocket to store your phone for listening to your favorite music.
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You can easily store the pillow in its carry bag as the memory foam allows it to compress about ¼ of its size, enough to fit in the travel bag, which is water repellent and so it is comfy and resilient.
Perhaps the only downside is that this pillow tends to get somewhat warm, so you might not want to prefer it if you live in a warm climate.
Overall, it is an excellent travel pillow, versatile and convenient so you can take it with you everywhere.
Pros
- Earplugs and water-repellent bag
- Made of Memory-Foam which is dust mites resistant and hypoallergenic
- Can compress up to a quarter (1/4) its size
- Versatile design, perfect for long haul flights, road trips etc.
- Features a super soft and washable cover
- 360-degree wrap-around design and a flat rear cushion and raised sides for supreme comfort and neck support
- Features a pocket for your phone
- Some isolated complaints on how the size is not suitable for petite users who want to use their headphones
Travelmate Memory Foam Neck Pillow
The TravelMate is another high-quality offering in terms of a travel pillow that delivers big when it comes to solid support and comfort of your neck and head while you sleep.
Although it features a simple design, there is more to TravelMate than what meets the eye and so it does a great job at keeping your head upright.
Made of memory foam, the TravelMate molds to your head, however, it is firmer compared to other models we tested. This kind of firmness is what makes it perform well in terms of neck support.
What makes the TravelMate differ from other travel pillows, is the flexibility to adjust the thickness of your preference by removing an additional insert if needed to suit your travel circumstances.
The exterior is made of a soft, velour fabric which is comfortable to touch and is also conveniently removable using a zipper, so you can wash it and keep dust mites and allergens away.
Due to being a bit more firm, you will not be able to roll this pillow as much as others. However, it is super-lightweight and can be strapped to your bag or hand luggage.
Overall, a travel pillow which will deal exceptionally well with neck support throughout your journey.
Pros
- Adjustable thickness using a built-in insert to suit your needs
- Made of high-quality memory foam
- Soft to touch, removable and washable cover
- Offers exceptional neck support and keeps your head upright
- Versatile travel pillow
- Super-lightweight
- Does not adequately support the chin
- Does not roll up as tightly
J-pillow Travel Pillow
The J-Pillow is an award-winning invention design by a flight attendant which is exceptionally effective for long haul travels.
This pillow features an unusual J sort of design, as the name implies, which does a great job at providing great support for the areas that need it the most: head, neck and chin.
While it works best in a window seat, it is versatile and you could potentially use it in other positions as well. It does a clean job providing the kind of support you would ask for during a long haul flight.
The soft, cuddly fabric on the exterior feels nice to touch whereas the inside is made of polyester fiber. You will be happy to hear that the whole pillow is machine washable, so no worries about keeping it clean and free of germs.
The only downside is that this pillow is kind of bulky and odd shaped. Still, it is that very shape that makes it perform so well as the J part curves under the chin and prevent the head from falling forwards.
The side supports to ensure it stays upright and in alignment with your back. You can easily carry it as it comes with a strap so don’t worry it is not convenient enough for travels.
Overall, the J-Pillow is perfect if the traditional U-shape travel pillows don’t work for you as it can cater for a relaxing and comforting sleep during a long flight.
Pros
- Easy to carry as it features a strap
- The whole pillow is washable
- Versatile design – perfect for home, office and long flights, trains etc.
- Innovative design which supports chin, neck, and head exceptionally
- No need to rest your head on the window, rest on the pillow facing the window instead and enjoy your flight
- A bit bulky and odd-shaped
Travelrest – Ultimate Travel Pillow
The Travelrest is a great choice for a travel airplane pillow which will not disappoint even the most demanding, at a reasonable cost.
The Travelrest is the next best thing when it comes to inflatable pillows, and probably the best choice for a side sleeper.
This pillow comes tethered, so you can use it on your car seat headrest or on the back of a regular airplane or train seat. You can strap it on your body so you have something comfortable to lean on no matter what.
You will especially appreciate the arm across your torso and provides a comfortable sleep.
As it shows, you will get the full lateral support you need with this pillow as it is the only body which fully supports your upper structure. Your neck and head are properly supported while the pillow composition will ensure your head doesn’t fall forwards.
You can easily inflate it and deflate it just as quickly to roll it and be ready to carry around. There is also the option to get a soft velour or memory foam cover to add an extra layer of comfort.
As a downside, we would comment that the Travelrest pillow, although it does a great job overall, it is still a bit extravagant and attracts attention so it might not be the best solution for a flight.
Overall, a unique travel pillow which can be worn as a messenger bag and is great for full lateral support.
Pros
- Unique in that it provides full lateral support on the upper body
- Great for proper neck and head alignment – patented ergonomic design
- It is inflatable so it is easy to inflate and deflate as well as compressible
- It’s adjustable and has many functions
- Washable
- Ideal for both children and adults
- Super light-weight
- Versatile – you can use it at home, in camping, flights, trains, buses and cars
- Different cover options
- Inflating it before the cruising altitude can make it look as if it will explode, so leave the inflation for later
- A bit odd shaped which gathers attention
Final Verdict
As you will notice from the travel pillows featured in this list, there are lots of different designs, colors and features to choose from. As there are many high valued products out there, it is difficult to decide which meets your needs best.
One way is to carefully review the products in this list, as these are highly recommended and have great consumer feedback overall.
Still, if you think you are puzzled, consider things like comfort level, materials used, travel type, health issues, and size.
One thing for sure, there is no such thing as the perfect travel pillow to fit all individuals. What you should be looking for is to see how versatile the design is and whether it fulfils your needs. If anything, as a general rule of thumb, a good travel pillow should be supportive of your neck and comfortable in general.
Whereas inflatable travel pillows where commonly used in the past as they easily inflate to position and don’t get dirty easily, nowadays manufacturers use memory foam filling as it is a material which can conform to the shape of your neck and head while it is very responsive.
These types of pillows usually have a removable cover and so you can machine-wash them, which comes in handy when you travel a lot. In addition, memory foam is hypoallergenic and non-toxic so it you don’t have to worry about allergens.
Whichever travel pillow you choose from this list, we are confident you won’t be disappointed. Just review each of the specs provided and get the one that suits you best to ensure a relaxing trip.
Happy travels!
Last update on 2020-07-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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