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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 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 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 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 Ultimate’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 Ultimate 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 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, which we talk more about below .

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 Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution. 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 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 Ultimate or 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, and it is pricy.

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 and the Travelrest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive—now about $20 more than the Travelrest.

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 nearly twice as much.

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 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.

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

The 31 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech and Dorie Chevlen

Here we present practical and whimsical finds to delight any intrepid traveler.

The Best Travel Pillows for Long-Haul Flights

By Lauren Burvill

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 (wrongly) 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 recently. 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.

How we choose 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 top picks:

• Best overall travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow
• Best budget buy: Dot & Dot Twist memory foam travel 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

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

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

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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 also suits your sleeping position, especially if you’re a side sleeper who tends to get stuck in the dreaded middle seat. It 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 .

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

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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Today’s Top Clicked

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Get some quality shut-eye on the go

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

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.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other travel pillows we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

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.

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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The best travel pillows for taking on a long flight

By Lauren Burvill and Charley Ward

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flyer and a rookie – the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flyer, hanging from a backpack or being worn 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 realise 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 recently. Specialised brands like  trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while neck 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.

The best travel pillow to buy in 2023 at a glance

• Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow and Travelrest pillow
• Best for price: Ecosafeter portable travel pillow
• Best lie flat pillow: Mini Snoooze travel pillow

How we tested the best travel pillows

Every travel neck pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed in our office by our editors Charley Ward and Lauren Burvill . Each pillow is then passed on to a member of the wider team to take with them on a flight to further test when travelling. When testing, we look for quality, design features and value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

What are the different types of travel pillow?

There’s a variety of shapes on offer, so think about your personal needs and preferences before making your choice. The main kinds are:

• Memory foam travel pillows. These mould to your body in a way that’s far superior to the traditional beanbag styles on offer at the airport. Cabeau Evolution and Kierain do these very well, and Ecosafeter’s version also has a slight hump at the back to help relax your spine.
• Body slings. These styles are great for side sleepers, offering full upper body support that you can lean against while you drift off. Travelrest’s inflatable travel pillow is our favourite, which can be worn cross-body or to your side to create a firmer separation between yourself and your neighbour. Dot & Dot does a similar version that can be twisted however suits, so you can use it around your neck, shoulders or even tucked below your lower back, helping to ease whichever area is most achey.
• Wraparound neck pillows. These twist around the neck like a scarf, offering double the support of U-shaped designs. They also tend to be cosier as a result. Bcozzy’s has a flat back, to help you keep a better posture, while Huzi’s infinity neck pillow is comfy, soft and scrunchy, allowing you to bunch it up where it suits best.
• Neck supports. Travel brand Trtl has been upping the ante lately. The brand's signature fleecy wraparound scarf cleverly hides an internal neck and chin support structure that keeps your neck in the optimum upright sleeping position, even in the middle seat or aisle seat. There’s now an adjustable version, as well, providing extra support for those on the taller side. They come with a carry bag that attaches to your rucksack.
• Mini classic pillows . Perfect for adding a bit more comfort when sitting in first or business class seats – and when in your hotel room too. Snoooze does our favourite, which is 100% machine washable and rolls up into a carry bag just 30 by 11cm, so it’ll tuck nicely in your hand luggage when not in use.

See below for our full take on each of the best travel neck pillows available to buy now.

Cabeau Evolution's S3 travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for a basic does-the-job travel pillow, the one below from Kierain is the ideal buy. But if you're looking for a step above in terms of design and comfort, or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's 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 though are the velcro straps at 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 like it:  “I tested this pillow when I flew to Mexico City. The foam in it 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 luggage , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." Sarah Allard, digital editor

Kierain’s travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall value

Kierain has one of the top-rated and best selling  travel pillows on Amazon , and it’s easy to see why. A step above the standard microbead styles, this travel pillow is 100 per cent memory foam with a soft velour cover, plus has an easy-to-use snap closure, making it simple to secure and stay in place.

Why we like it:  “The bag it comes in is surprisingly small (about the size of a small wash bag), so it hardly takes up any room in your  carry on luggage , which is a real plus. The best part though is the plush and squidgy memory foam. I often find the traditional neck pillows too stiff and constricting, but this one was soft while still giving good support.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

trtl's original pillow

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 148 grams. 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 like it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortable on, so I was keen to try this style when I flew to Vancouver. 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

Trtl Travel Pillow Plus

Best travel pillow for: customised support for your exact requirements

Caitlin Morton

CNT Editors

Sarah James

Trtl has revamped its clever wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate people of all heights more comfortably. The latest iteration is adjustable, to better suit your particular requirements, and the pillow section itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s offering is a lot smaller than standard U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 225 grams, so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack .

Why we like it: “I tried both the original and the revamped Trtl pillows on a flight to Japan, and this one definitely proved a more comfortable fit. It does take a bit of fiddling to get it to sit properly, and the fleece wrap is certainly cosy – even a bit too warm at points. Reviews are mixed online, but I think it’s worth taking the time to adjust it correctly as, once I did, it made for a far more comfortable experience than using standard U-shaped neck pillows. For long haul flights in coach, it’s certainly worth a try; I had no neck pain at all when I finally disembarked from the plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Travelrest pillow

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever across-body-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

Our verdict:  “This pillow came in handy on a flight to Australia. I really love the shape of this style, 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, commerce editor

Dot&Dot’s twist travel pillow

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 like 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.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best travel pillow for: ergonomic design with a luxurious feel

Ostrichpillow has a number of interesting travel pillows (are you brave enough to try this napping aid ?), including a genius padded headband -come-eye mask that makes quickly grabbing some shut-eye while leaning against the window actually comfortable. The Go pillow, however, is the brand’s most traditional offering. It has a memory foam core with a velcro closure to ensure a snug fit, no matter the shape or size of your neck. It compresses down impressively small when stored in the included drawstring travel bag, making it easy to bring along in even the smallest cases. It has a removable and washable cover as well.

Why we like it: “It’s really, really soft, and satisfyingly squishy at the same time; the memory foam filling is clearly high-quality. In fact, out of all the travel pillows I’ve tried, this one feels the most luxurious when in use. It kept my neck at a good angle to avoid aches and pains – it was surprisingly supportive, in fact. It’s easy to adjust and I like that the cover can be slung straight in the washing machine, so it’s ready to go for your next trip.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Ecosafeter’s portable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: price

The Ecosafeter travel pillow is a memory foam style with a slight “hump” shape that’s designed to help relax the Cervical spine. The design is particularly great for sleeping upright, especially if you suffer from back or neck pain, with added neck support as well as a soft and flexible feel.

Why we like it:  “I find it super difficult to sleep upright, which is why I loved the high back and firm cushioned support on this pillow. I took it with me on an overbooked flight with a 2am takeoff and did manage to get some sleep, admittedly in and out, but that’s better than my usual long haul wide-eyed experience.” Sophie Knight, visuals editor

BCozzy's neck pillow

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 like 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 feeling too suffocating." Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Huzi infinity pillow

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.

Our verdict:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cosy 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.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Snoooze travel pillow

Best travel pillow for:  lying flat

One for not just the plane but also the hotel, this flat pillow from Snoooze is particularly suited to business or first class passengers flying in a flatbed. Danish designer Ann Sjogreen Sanger worked with scientists, sleep experts and leading UK manufacturers to create the two travel pillows – a full size and mini option. Both are machine washable, come with a soft 100 per cent cotton pillow case and roll up into compact travel bags – the mini fits into a cylindrical bag that’s 30cm by 11cm.

Why we like it:  “This pillow feels surprisingly full and thick compared to how compact it can be stored. I always struggle with hotel pillows (they’re often too big and fluffy), but the Snoooze feels firm yet squidgy and helped me get proper deep sleep during a hotel stay in Greece recently. I tested the full size, but think the mini can do the same job if you’re short on carry-on space or would prefer to use a flat pillow to get some sleep in economy.”

Lifeventure inflatable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: space-saving

You won’t find any bells and whistles with Lifeventure’s inflatable travel pillow, but at £12.99, the price is hard to beat for your standard u-shaped travel pillow. It packs down into a remarkably bijou carrying case and weighs in at just 54 grams. A dual valve makes it easy to blow up very quickly – I inflated it by mouth in two minutes.

Why we like it: “I wasn’t convinced by the idea of an inflatable polyester travel pillow, especially not in comparison to some of the super-soft memory foam numbers I’ve tried (Ostrichpillow cinches it for me in the cosiness stakes). However, I was pleasantly surprised on test. The material is clearly good quality and it provides decent enough neck support when fully inflated. But really, the main plus point of this pillow is how compact and lightweight it is when deflated. It folds down smaller than your average purse. If you have back or neck issues, avoid this one. But if you’re off backpacking, or space in your bag is an especially hot commodity, then this pillow is the one to buy.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Slip travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: fashionistas

Beauty aficionados will know that silk pillowcases are superior to cotton offerings for those seeking smoother, sleeker hair – studies have shown that its slippery, friction-free surface helps to both tackle frizz and reduce stress on delicate facial skin while you slumber. So why compromise when you’re on a plane? Luxury silk pillowcase brand Slip has used the same 22 momme long fibre mulberry silk for its travel pillow as it does its regular cases, along with a super-dense foam inner that secures around the neck with an adjustable strap for 360-degree support. It’s available to purchase separately or as a set with a matching silk eye mask for an extra cost (currently on sale ).

Why we like it:  “This is another unusual option – its vivacious appearance generated some comments in the office upon unboxing. It’s not one for wallflowers; it’s very colourful and one of the largest pillows (if not the largest) we’ve ever seen. Nobody’s going to miss you while you’re wearing it – and if you’re especially petite, it likely won’t suit. Nonetheless, the silky finish feels both luxurious and cooling when around the neck, which doesn’t go amiss on a stuffy aeroplane. The traditional U shape doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but for those seeking a little luxury on long haul flights, this is a welcome treat. Be warned: this pillow isn’t going to squeeze into your suitcase, so bear that in mind, but it gives a high level of support and keeps your neck upright, so a good choice if this is the most comfortable position for you on a plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Snugl travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: versatility

Snugl’s well-designed and thoughtful memory foam travel pillow is available in three sizes to ensure you get the best fit (taking a different approach to Trtl, with its adjustable number above). It’s made from quality, hypoallergenic memory foam with a removable washable cover. There are a selection of colours to choose from, and there’s a carabiner clip to attach the travel bag to your suitcase.

Why we like it: “Don’t be fooled by the chunky appearance – this Snugl pillow packs down into an impressively small bag. It toes the line well between portability and being robust enough to ensure a lack of neck ache when you disembark the plane; this really impressed. But what we like the most is how adjustable it is. There are two straps to secure it around your neck to your preferred tightness, and it’s been created to comfortably sit around your neck in either a conventional, reversed, forward facing or shoulder-facing arrangement to accommodate your sleeping style – a real plus for me as a side-sleeper.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

The 9 Best Travel Pillows for Sound Sleep On-the-Go

Say goodbye to that sore neck.

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What to Look for in a Travel Pillow

How we selected these travel pillows, pick the perfect travel pillow following these tips from expert chris meehan..

So, how to make the time in the air (or car or train) more relaxing? The right travel pillow may be the ticket the next time you take off somewhere. It's a basic travel accessory that ranks right up there with great luggage and noise-cancelling headphones .

In its U-shaped form, the travel pillow dates back to 1929 when the design was first patented. Its original intent was for use to recline in the bathtub. Since then, its look and feel has changed with modern versions configured in unique shapes to address all different kinds of travelers: long-haul fliers, restless sleepers, window-seat passengers, and more.

A decent travel pillow includes a soft cover using fabrics like brushed polyester, nylon, or microfiber, while the cushioning (or fill) inside should be supportive and comfortable yet structured enough for your head and neck. The fill types commonly used are assorted types of foam, microbeads, and polyester fiber, in addition to those kinds of pillows with an inflatable bladder

Whether you’re a side slumper, leaner on the seat-back, or nose-to-the sky snoozer, there is a pillow here for you. In our review and testing of travel pillows, we’ve found options in a variety of designs, weights, and shapes from under $20 to well over $60. Read on to find the best one for you!

Best Travel Pillows

• Best Overall Travel Pillow: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
• Best Hot-Sleeper Travel Pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam
• Best Bargain Travel Pillow: Cloudz Dual Comfort Microbead Travel Neck Pillow
• Best Splurge Travel Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
• Best Side-Sleeper Travel Pillow: Trtl Pillow Plus

The Expert: Taking multiple plane, train, and bus rides every year, I’m familiar with necessary on-the-go accessories like a travel pillow. For instance, I am based in Colorado and last year I flew to Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. My car travels included a road trip to Zion National Park with a buddy. My average trip takes about seven hours between the trains to and from the airport and the plane ride itself. After using quite a few travel pillows, I’ve found that I enjoy a side-sleeping pillow like the J-Pillow for plane rides since I tend to loll off to one side, and I like the traditionally shaped rectangular pillow, the NEMO Fillo, for other types of excursions like bus and car rides as well as car camping. Its combination of padding and inflate-ability make it versatile for many types of trips.

Many of the travel pillows below don’t look like the traditional U-shaped ones with microbeads—and for good reason. The U-shape doesn't work for everyone as it has a tendency to push the neck forward. Also, if the cushioning isn’t high enough on each side, it may cause your head to flop from left to right instead providing a stationary space. Any neck wobble may result in kinks, stiffness, and soreness.

Those designs that are squared or have flat cushioning behind the neck with more coverage under the chin help keep the head upright. Contoured areas to accommodate the shoulders and help keep the pillows properly aligned.

Depending on how you prefer to rest, the right pillows will ensure some shut-eye on the plane, in the car, or on the train. Here are some factors to consider.

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While many are compact, this will be a factor depending on how light you like to travel. The most compact of all neck pillows is one that’s inflatable. These can deflate to a size smaller than a baseball. Bulkier memory foam pillows, on the other hand, will compress down to about the size of a football.

Most travel pillows weigh under 1 pound, so they’re manageable enough to bring along and to use without putting downward pressure on your shoulders.

U-shape is most common, but it’s not the only form factor out there. Some travel pillows are mini-sized traditionally shaped pillows. Others are coil or donut-shaped to allow for better chin support for slumping sleepers, and at least a few, like the J-Pillow, are designed to offer extra head support for those of us who love to sleep with our head against the wall of a plane or train.

Just like your pillow at home, travel pillows have a range of different fills. Microbeads are likely the stiffest and least compressible while memory foam offers solid support and adjusts to the shape of your head. Inflatable pillows also offer customized cushioning but are sometimes cheaper in design.

Most travel pillows have a soft, fleecy fabric made of polyester, nylon or micro fleece that’s designed for comfort against the face. The fabric of the pillow can also go a long way to describe its washability. Some have covers that are easy to take off and wash. Even some with integrated covers are still machine washable.

The recommendations below are based on my own travel experiences in the air, car, bus, and train. I also looked at customer reviews to gauge what pillows have performed well for most people. Additionally, I considered the work of Paige Szmodis , who investigated pillow options for the previous version of this article.

Overall, these pillows made their way onto red-eye flights, along for road trips (in cars and buses), camping, and even lounging on the couch. Neck support and comfort were factored in as well as portability, durability, washability, and usage. I also considered if pillows came with a storage bag, how well each pillow retained its shape, and what the packed dimensions were versus overall size.

These pillows represent the top options for travelers who go by car, plane, bus, train, or even those who need a good lightweight pillow for laying horizontal in the airport while waiting for their next flight.

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

With limited space for a bulky pillow when on-the-go, packability is key. The Travelrest Nest packs an amazing amount of memory-foam cushioning into the smallest stuff sack. Even after being compressed in its bag for over a week, the pillow immediately puffed right back into its original shape.

While compact, it doesn’t compromise on support. With 5-inches of thermo-sensitive memory foam on all sides, it conforms to the shape of your neck and shoulders and keeps your head in place no matter if you tend to loll to the front, back, or sides. Unlike many U-shaped pillows, its angled back sits flush against any seat surface without pushing your head forward. Bonu: the nonslip panel helps prevent it from sliding off airplane seats.

At a reasonable price—Travelrest even throws in a travel bag and memory foam earplugs to sweeten the deal—its removable cover retains its velvety softness after cycles in the washer and dryer, though it’s a bit of a tight fit to pull the cover back on over the foam’s contours. The dense foam also makes it a little challenging to fold up into its bag, but once you get it in there, it can compress down to a quarter of its original size. On the down side, its high cushioning could pinch earrings or interfere with larger headphones.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam

The Cabeau Evolution S3, which has many of the same top features as our Best Overall, is ideal if you sleep a bit on the hot side. Its breathable, moisture-wicking fabric helps to keep you cool and comfortable.

With its U-shaped design, this memory foam pillow prevents lateral movement—your head falling to either side—and features a slimmed flat back so it won’t push your head forward. While the back surface isn’t angled and grippy like the Travelrest, the Cabeau comes with straps to loop around your headrest to keep it in place. Note: These straps may not be compatible with all seat designs and might possibly disturb the person behind you on a flight. Also, with its thick cushioning, the Evolution's height may interfere with certain headphones.

The dense memory foam will take a few seconds to roll up into the travel case but it will hold its shape well after packing away many times. Plus, the polyester cover was easy to slip on and off to wash and dry. A bonus is the travel case which can easily be clipped onto the outside of your bags and luggage.

Cloudz Dual Comfort Microbead Travel Neck Pillow

One of the most well-known neck pillows out there, Cloudz is the one you’re most likely to find in an airport. It’s inexpensive and will do the trick for most flights and other travel, but isn’t as comfortable or as well designed as some of the other picks in our roundup.

The spandex fabric on one side allows the pillow to conform to your shoulders and keeps you cool, while the cozy plush on the other side helps you drift off to sleep. The snap in front keeps the pillow properly oriented while traveling. It’s not machine washable, and over time the small polystyrene beads will compress, ultimately reducing cushioning. As such, it’ll do in a pinch but won't have the durability as some of the other choices here.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

The makers of the Ostrichpillow Go believe resting shouldn’t require any effort, which is why they pride themselves on designs that are minimalist and easy to use as well as sustainably made. The ergonomic and sleek Go neck pillow promotes 360-degree comfort with a memory foam core, yet it packs down into a stuff sack just over half of its original size. Even after being stored away for a week, it easily expanded back to its circular shape.

While other options may compress into slightly smaller packs, I like this pillow's dense memory foam padding and the Velcro fastener, which allows for a custom fit. Since its cushion height is higher on one side than the other, the taller side may interfere with headphones. For comfort, the cover is luxuriously soft and holds up after machine washing.

Trtl Pillow Plus

Trtl might have the most unconventional looking travel pillow—loop, wrap and nap, as the company says—but plenty of people—especially side sleepers—swear by it. Inside the fleece fabric that gets wrapped around your neck is a cushioned plastic brace that rests on one shoulder and props your head up. Some may find the fleece gets a little too warm, but if you’re always cold on the plane, this could work for you. The fleece wrap also detaches easily from the plastic brace for washing.

While the Trtl Plus is expensive (the costliest of the ones recommended here), it does offer a custom fit courtesy of two plastic knobs that adjust both sides of the plastic panel. It comes with a travel bag which is handy if you don’t want to lug it around on the outside of your bag when traveling.

If you’re still intrigued, but put off by the price, the original Trtl costs about $40 less and is a bit more subtle in styling than the Plus. It looks more like a fleece scarf than a neck brace. There’s no case but it folds almost flat with a Velcro latch, to about the size of a large book, so you can fit it in your bag.

Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Neck Pillow

If your head tends to fall forward when you try to sleep upright, the Bcozzy keeps your head up by curling around your whole neck with the ends overlapping under the chin. There are also a few more ways you can wear it, such as folded in half to elevate just one side of your head.

The Bcozzy, available in children's and extra-large sizing, doesn’t come with a removable cover, but the whole pillow is machine washable. A travel case is included.

Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow

According to some studies, passengers shift positions on a plane every 15 minutes, so this travel pillow is ideal for anyone who changes it up frequently on a flight. It works for forward slumpers, side sleepers, and even couples who want to position it between themselves. It's also perfect for those who want to read or watch a program in privacy.

To make the most of this unique pillow, you'll need a tray table to rest it on. The Sunany pillow can be used at either 19.6- or 11.8-inches high depending on how it is oriented. One downside, considering its inflated size is so large, is that it can be cumbersome to reposition.

AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow

This dog bone-shaped, inflatable travel pillow is as ideal for the skies as it is for the roads. Take it in the plane or the car since its adjustable strap easily fits around most headrests, and thanks to its basic shape and adjustability via inflation, you can customize how soft or firm it is depending on your needs.

The foam backed bladder helps reduce the balloon-like feel of some inflatable travel pillows. Use it behind the neck and shoulder or behind the lower back for lumbar support. Extra points for the plush cover that is machine washable.

With so many travel specific pillows and U-shaped design styles, why pick a traditional rectangle option as the most versatile? It’s simple—you can’t reinvent the wheel. With foam and an inflatable bladder, travelers can adjust its firmness, roll it up for neck support on a plane, press it against a wall or window, use it as a normal pillow, or take it along for car travel or camping.

This is the versatile pillow I bring on trips when I am doing multiple types of adventure and know I will need a pillow that can handle the travel itself and anything after. I appreciate the use of both the foam and the air bladder, which means I can adjust the cushioning and the support. With NEMO’s combination, it creates a pillow that doesn’t feel like you’re sleeping on a balloon like some inflatable pillows do. It also easily stuffs down into a sack—about the size of a big Chipotle burrito—that’s integrated into the removable, machine washable cover.

J-Pillow Travel Pillow

The J-Pillow diverges from the traditional U-shape, co-opting another letter for its design. The curve of the “J” cradles your chin while the rest of the pillow supports one side of your head.

While this design is best-suited for passengers at a window seat, I found the J-Pillow didn’t slip off my shoulder even when I wasn't leaning against a window. There is plenty of cushioning, so it's comfortable, but its biggest flaw is its slightly awkward and bulky shape.

Though it comes with a travel sack, it doesn’t compress nearly as much as other travel pillows. Because it didn’t fit into my backpack, I had to carry it separately—not exactly ideal for frequent fliers—though you could use its snap loop to attach to luggage or tie the bag’s drawstring to a gear loop.

What is typically the best way to clean a travel pillow? Should I look for one that is machine-washable?

Always follow the manufacturers’ recommendations. Many inflatable and foam pillows aren’t designed for machine washing and can get damaged in the process. Some of my favorite travel pillows have removable covers that are machine washable.

If given the choice of an inflatable, microbead, or memory foam travel pillow, what do you prefer and why?

If I'm not worried about packing space and my travel plans include a flight, I like memory foam since it cradles the head softly. If you’re traveling and doing multiple things while away, an inflatable pillow might be best since it takes up less space while packed and can be customized for different types of resting.

How do you know if a travel pillow is the right fit?

Think about how you rest while traveling and look for a pillow that fits those needs. You’ll want one with enough support to cradle your head as you nod off, whether that’s off to the side, straight back, or slumping forward.

Chris Meehan is an internationally published writer, author, and editor with more than two decades of professional experience. He has authored multiple adventure guidebooks with Falcon Guides and his work focusses primarily on the nexus between sustainability and outdoor adventure. He is an experienced gear reviewer, tester, and travel writer who has explored multiple continents. 

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TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel, Neck & Body Pillow - Strap to Plane & Car Seat - Compact, Comfort and Convenient for Office Napping, Airplane, Bus & Train - Upright Sleeping - Rolls Up Small - Blue

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• TOP TRAVEL PILLOW OF 2024 - EXPERTLY RECOGNIZED BY CNN: DISCOVER THE TRAVELREST ALL IN ONE PILLOW, endorsed by LeBlanc, as the pinnacle of travel comfort for upright sleeping. This remarkable pillow boasts a distinctive design, catering to travelers occupying various seat positions – be it the aisle, window, or even the middle seat dreaded by many.
• ENHANCE EVERY JOURNEY'S SLEEP QUALITY: Presenting the Travelrest All-in-One Inflatable Neck and Body Pillow, a travel companion that transforms your rest experience. Crafted to offer unparalleled support, it turns any seat into a snug haven, ensuring you make the most of your travel moments in rejuvenating slumber.
• COMPLETE BODY SUPPORT FOR DEEP SLEEP: This pillow gives you full side-to-side upper body support, making sleep while traveling a breeze. Leaning into it feels natural, letting you rest well on planes, buses, trains, and more. This travel must-have stops your head from dropping forward, keeping your head and neck in the right position. A great choice if you need extra soothing neck support, especially helpful for people with persistent discomfort.
• UNIVERSAL COMFORT FOR ALL AGES: No matter your age, this versatile pillow provides unmatched comfort. It's a perfect companion whether you're on a plane, bus, train, or anywhere else. Wherever you find yourself, this pillow ensures you get the sleep you need. The design also shows gray and blue stylish colors.
• EFFORTLESS SETUP AND STORAGE: With easy inflation requiring just a few puffs and simple deflation by tapping the flap, this pillow streamlines your travel experience. Compact and convenient, it rolls up neatly and attaches to your bag, always ready for action. The removable cover is machine washable, ensuring a clean and soft journey every time.

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Your Perfect Travel Companion

Are you tired of restless, uncomfortable journeys? Say goodbye to neck pain and discomfort with the TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow, the ultimate accessory for your travels! Whether you're on an airplane, in a car, bus, train, or even just sneaking in a quick nap at the office, this versatile pillow has got you covered.

Perfect for All Travel Modes

Whether you're a jet-setter, a road tripper, or a commuter, this pillow is your ideal travel companion. It ensures you're well-rested no matter where you go, making it perfect for planes, cars, buses, trains, and even camping trips.

Elevating Travel Comfort and Convenience

HiGear Design, based in California, proudly presents Travelrest. Our dedication lies in crafting innovative products to enhance comfort in both life and travel. Established by seasoned travelers, our array of accessories, from travel pillows to blankets and adjustable sleep masks, is tailored to ensure pleasurable and serene journeys.

TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow & Neck Pillow

The secret to its unrivaled comfort lies in its revolutionary "Adjustable Inflation for Desired Softness" feature. With this unique innovation, you have full control over the pillow's firmness level, allowing you to personalize your comfort like never before. Whether you prefer a plush and soft pillow or a firmer support for your neck, the TRAVELREST pillow delivers.

• Provides Full Lateral Support for the upper body making it easier to relax, fall asleep, and stay asleep longer.
• Promotes proper head and neck alignment - Keeps Head From Falling Forward.
• Easily loops over headrests in cars and airline seat wings.
• Position across the torso or down the side. Wear like a messenger bag or tether to an airline seat.
• Optional Cover Sold Seperately.

Compact, Portable, and Customizable

The TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel Pillow is not only designed for your comfort but also for your convenience. It rolls up small, making it an ideal travel companion. And with adjustable inflation, it's like having a custom pillow in your pocket, ready to provide the support you crave whenever and wherever you need it.

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Customers say

Customers like the inflation and portability of the body positioner. They mention that it inflates and deflate easily, and is small enough to slip in a bag. They appreciate the thoughtful design and the fact that it's versatile. That said, opinions are mixed on performance, stability, comfort, and ease of setup.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the body positioner. They say it's a good travel pillow, effective, and well-made. Customers also mention that the valve is sturdy and effective, with a hard plastic cap. Overall, they find it to be the most convenient travel pillow out there.

"...On that return flight, I slept like a baby and awoke with no neck pain at all ...." Read more

"...Easy to inflate and never has leaked air. Comfortable and easily portable . Bought in 2017 still impresses me so writing review in 2024...." Read more

"...It rolls up and stores easily in luggage. The company provides useful videos on how to use the pillow and all the features, and had great customer..." Read more

"... Takes the strain out of my neck /shoulders when I can rest my head over to the side. I would definitely recommend this pillow to anyone...." Read more

Customers like the inflation of the body positioner. They mention that it inflates and deflate easily, and is fully inflated in just 2-4 breaths. They also appreciate the ability to quickly deflating and store the pillow back in their carry on. The large valve makes it easy to fill up and deflat.

"...It also stayed in place really well with the strap. It was easy to fill up and deflate . It folds up to a small, compact size in a carry on...." Read more

"...When deflated, it takes up almost no room in your bag. It shrinks to almost nothing ...." Read more

"...As all the reviews say, the pillow is extremely easy to inflate , deflate and store. It takes up virtually no space in my carry on...." Read more

"Have had for 6 years. This pillow is perfect for its designed use. Easy to inflate and never has leaked air. Comfortable and easily portable...." Read more

Customers like the portability of the body positioner. They mention that it's small enough to slip in a bag, and it takes up a minimum of space in their carry on bag.

"...It was easy to fill up and deflate. It folds up to a small , compact size in a carry on.This has been a game changer for my travels." Read more

"...It takes up virtually no space in my carry on...." Read more

"...and deflate, very portable, very easy to pack/carry - very compact when deflated . Very easy to adjust firmness and settle into...." Read more

"...Not heavy either. Small enough to slip in a bag or use the snap to attach to a handle of your bag, or slide into a water bottle pocket...." Read more

Customers like the appearance of the body positioner. They say it has an interesting design, with an awesome filler valve design. They also appreciate the foam inserts that add a nice touch of luxury. Customers also say the form factor is great and the deep crimson color is nice. They consider it superior to a traditional neck pillow and versatile.

"Have had for 6 years. This pillow is perfect for its designed use . Easy to inflate and never has leaked air. Comfortable and easily portable...." Read more

"...Overall, a really well designed pillow , but just did not work for me. I will be returning it." Read more

"...Love it in the car as well and it's versatile - most often use as the photo shows but have used for neck support in the car..." Read more

"...It's just horrible. It's not very comfortable, flattering , or sanitary. My head often drops forward and I wake up with a jolt too...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the comfort of the body positioner. Some mention it's comfortable and convenient, providing a comfortable barrier. However, others say that it'll not be as comfortable as sleeping with a real pillow, it'd be a bit too soft, and the cover doesn't mask the inflated vinyl feel.

"...It is very easy to get the firmness just to your liking, and it takes another minute to find that right position of comfort..." Read more

"...The best part was having my head and body supported comfortably , while in the confines of my seat...." Read more

"...the plane, but because there was a concave window well, I could not get comfortable at all ...." Read more

"...Easy to inflate and never has leaked air. Comfortable and easily portable. Bought in 2017 still impresses me so writing review in 2024...." Read more

Customers are mixed about the performance of the body positioner. Some mention they are satisfied with how it works, it's durable and effective. They say it works really nicely in the car and living room. However, others say that it didn't work for them, it can work poorly on certain airplanes, and the sharp edges make it not great to use if not covered.

"...In a nutshell, it performed extremely well .I must say that there is a 'learning curve' when it comes to using the pillow...." Read more

"...I tested it on my tall living room chairs and it worked great , I was very comfortable and it supported my head as promised!..." Read more

" Didn't work for me no matter how I positioned it. I had high hopes." Read more

"...It works especially well if you have a window seat and can stuff it into the corner (obviously), but I also used it while sitting in a middle seat..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the stability of the body positioner. Some mention it stays in place better, helps with stabilizing his head position while sitting up, and keeps his head upright. However, others say that it invariably slips out of place and require constant readjustments.

"...It also stayed in place really well with the strap. It was easy to fill up and deflate. It folds up to a small, compact size in a carry on...." Read more

"...It's not very comfortable, flattering, or sanitary. My head often drops forward and I wake up with a jolt too. I just hate it...." Read more

"...the other hand, when sitting in an aisle seat, it makes it much easier to keep in place ...." Read more

"...It was sliding off my shoulder .In the end, I was terribly disappointed...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the ease of setup of the body positioner. Some find it easy to use and convenient, while others say it's awkward and hard to assemble.

"...big, relatively speaking, but this is good since it makes it easy even for big people to hold it in place while sleeping if you don't use the belt..." Read more

"...It was amazingly comfortable, and so simple I should have thought of it sooner...." Read more

"...I still wonder if something is a little off with mine - it's not as easy to do as the video makes out, and in particular I found it difficult to..." Read more

"...The pros: it is really well made, easy to use , and a generous size (for most folks!). It rolls up and stores easily in luggage...." Read more

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DOUBLE COMFORT BUNDLE

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PILLOW ORIGINAL

The most comfortable sleep you'll ever have traveling

PILLOW COOL

Stay cool and comfy on your journey

PILLOW PLUS

Height adjustable for your comfort

PILLOW JUNIOR

Help you kids sleep easier (ages 8+)

PASSPORT COVER

Keep all your essential travel documents safely in one place.

PACKING PODS

Designed to fit well in all luggage without the need to cram a square cube in a round bag.

COMPRESSION SOCKS

Made and knitted with the best technologies for a comfortable fit and experience.

Don't let dehydration spoil your trip, keep your cool and keep hydrated.

TRTL TRAVEL PILLOW

"Makes the middle seat feel like first class"

–  Lonely Planet Magazine

Color: Grey

Order within HH hr MM min SS sec to receive it by Friday - Tuesday (following week). Saturday - Wednesday (following week).

Why it’s special:

Complete support for your head. No bobbing.

No neck pain, strains or aches.

Relieves stress on your spine and muscles.

Cozy shoulder support. Deeper sleep.

Super lightweight and easy to carry, pack or wrap around.

Stylish and non-bulky. Looks like a scarf.

Machine washable super-soft, hypoallergenic fabric.

Free standard shipping within the U.S.

100 day money-back guarantee

Scientifically proven neck support

Buy now, pay later payments available

My neck is pain free & my hair still look great!

All your problems solved with this amazing pillow. If you commute, buy it. If you travel, buy it. - Tanya

OVER 2 MILLION TRAVEL PILLOWS SOLD AND 10,000+ 5-STAR REVIEWS

I actually slept.

Comfortable and very useful. Hated those around the neck pillows and the head bobbing and this erased that. Got some actual sleep on a flight for the first time

Love this product!

This product made sitting upright in a coach airline seat comfortable! Would definitely recommend to anyone who has a plane right and must sit in coach.

JS Newman Amazon Customer

Game changer/ Best travel pillow

It is so comfortable and I actually fell asleep in the middle seat of the plane! I also used it on a long car ride and it was awesome to help me feel comfortable with my neck supported. Game changer!!

Slept on international flights

I usually can’t sleep for long on international flights, but with this product, ear plugs and an eye mask, I slept for the majority of my flights to and from India (I live in the Midwest).

Madeline (Amazon customer)

Comfortable pillow

Quality pillow as described, makes for a comfortable sleep and compact taking up a small amount a space when packed away.

Perfect for travel

Get rid of your old neck “horseshoe” pillow. This is the way to go. Not as bulky and takes up less room easy to get comfortable as has more give. Plus I love how it hides your face a bit if you want, hides the drool.

J Hilton (Amazon customer)

Great option for traveling

I love that this pillow is not a big bulky item. This is very comfortable and easily packed.

Works much better than those U-shaped pillows

I used to work nights, and I still travel for fun, so I need to sleep in awkward places on the regular. If you can't have a full-sized pillow, this is the best alternative.

Amanda (Amazon customer)

Great Travel Pillow

At my advanced age, it is easy to carry and use. It much better than the blow up neck pillow I use to have for my flights. It really helps with a degenerative neck issue.

Thomas F. M.

Most comfortable neck rest

I had my doubts about this - as it’s not a typical neck pillow. But thought because of its size it would be easy to travel with. Turns out it is the best neck rest I’ve ever used.

C (Amazon customer)

Pleased with more restful flights

When I travel with the Trtl Travel Pillow on long flights I am relieved from the neck pain that I used to have on flights. My head does not jerk forward as it used to do, and I find I am more rested at the end of the flight.

Game changer

This is so supportive, comfortable and compact. What more can you ask for? Just buy it, you won't regret it!

Leslie C (Amazon customer)

Best travel pillow

Trtl travel pillow is by far the best travel pillow I've ever used! The built in support holds my head up in all travel situations so I can get the rest I need without the sore neck. And the wrap around "scarf" provides warmth and coziness for an extra bonus.

Christine K.

It’s my 2nd purchase and this time is for a friend. I still think this is the smartest design for travel pillow and there is no other products that can beat it yet.

Tsz Kwan W.

ALWAYS 100 DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S.

SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN NECK SUPPORT

Over 30,000 Reviews on Amazon Globally

HOW TO WEAR

Loop, Wrap, and Nap – It’s That Easy

1 Undo the hook and loop fastening and extend your Trtl Pillow

2 Position the internal support comfortably against your neck (to your left, to your right, or under your chin)

3 Loop, wrap, and nap

You can even skip all of these steps and place your Trtl Pillow between your neck and chair for support while you read, watch a movie, or daydream out the window.

THE ORIGINAL

The science of sleep

The secret of our Trtl Travel Pillow is our internal support system hidden in our super-soft fleece.

1. Strengthened ribs provide scientifically-proven head and neck support

2. Super-soft fleece and foam is stretched to create a comforting hammock effect

3. Patented design fits any neck shape, jaw, and shoulder. All this combines to give you the most comfortable sleep possible on the move.

Trtl Pillow is scientifically proven to hold the head and neck in a better ergonomic position than a traditional travel pillow.

PRODUCT CARE

Easy to carry. Machine-washable.

Do your baggage allowance a favor. With increasingly strict carry-on restrictions when traveling, our Trtl Pillow is perfect at less than half the size and weight of a classic travel pillow.

Unlike regular U-shaped pillows constructed with memory foam, Trtl Pillows are conveniently machine-washable and fast-drying, so you can keep them fresh for your next adventure.

Simply remove the internal support and pop the wrap into the washing machine.

What Our Community Thinks

This travel pillow is amazing! I am able to sleep soundly on long flights. Easy to use as well. - Sue V.

Just bought a third for an additional traveller next time we go - Kim E.

My husband and I are both loving the trtl neck pillow!! It has made a huge difference on our flights!! - Kat

Best sleep ever! - Betsy W.

I have always struggled to sleep when travelling and I’m sure this is the answer to all my nomadic problems! - Scott C.

Just used this pillow for my first transatlantic flight and it was WONDERFUL! - Jessie

Testimonials

"The Trtl Pillow will be your sleep savior"

"Makes the middle seat feel like first class"

"I’ve truly never slept better on a plane"

"Its design is unique to anything else"

"Don’t know how I ever flew without it"

"I never travel without my Trtl Pillow"

• 5 Stars 1819 Reviews
• 4 Stars 693 Reviews
• 3 Stars 56 Reviews
• 2 Stars 12 Reviews
• 1 Star 23 Reviews

This was SUCH a great purchase. I flew to Thailand from the US and the pillow saved my neck from so much pain. Best sleep I’ve had on a plane too!

Traveled to Paris and slept amazing on long flight. Love this product.

Slept on every flight so fast with this neck pillow

OUR ULTIMATE ESSENTIALS

TRTL MINI WRAP

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF WORLDWIDE TRAVELERS

Frequently asked questions about this product.

How do I wear the Trtl Pillow?

• Separate the hook and loop and extend your Trtl Pillow .
• Position the Trtl Pillow internal support wherever is most comfortable - either side or under your chin.
• Wrap and Nap! Wrapping rigther will give you more support.

You can watch our instructional video here .

How does the Trtl Pillow work?

Due to its symmetry, the Internal Support system is extremely adaptable and can be worn anywhere across the front of the neck - either side or under the chin.  The pocket stretches between the two limbs to fit any shape of face, jaw, and shoulder. The gap between the bands across the middle allows for cushioned but firm support, holding your head in a neutral position. Strengthening ribs prevent too much movement but still allow for some bending to let it fit flat against the shoulder or face, eliminating any pressure points.  

How was it scientifically proven?

The Trtl Pillow was independently tested by the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research (IMAR) at the University of Dundee. This project, headed by Professor Rami Abboud, Head of Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Director of Institute of Motion Analysis and Research at the University of Dundee, undertook a detailed head-to-head study between Trtl Pillow and a traditional top-of-the-range u-shaped travel pillow to examine scientifically the benefits of this new concept using motion analysis to measure the effects of the head and neck posture over a period of time on healthy subjects. Trtl Pillow was tested in a simulated aircraft seating environment constructed within IMAR’s laboratory and provided scientific proof that it keeps your head in a better position for sleeping upright. 9/10 of participants chose the Trtl Pillow over the traditional memory foam u-shaped travel pillow. More information can be read on The Innovation Portal  online .

Can I wash the Trtl Pillow?

Yes indeed you actually can! We recommend to remove the plastic insert and you can then wash your  Trtl Pillow on a 30° cool wash. Full instructions are on the care label within the product.  

Is the Trtl Pillow suitable for children?

The original Trtl Pillow come in one size, it is made to fit all different shapes and sizes and support your neck to enhance your sleeping experience when you are on the go! We recommend the Trtl Pillow for ages 14+ due to the size, this is based on 14 year olds average height of 5'3".

The Trtl Pillow Junior has been designed for ages 8 and up and features a smaller internal frame than the original Trtl Pillow and the height adjustable Trtl Pillow Plus. You can find the Trtl Pillow Junior here .

Can I get this item expedited?

All our orders are dispatched on a standard service and we don't offer expedited shipping options. We advise shipping times of up to 7 business days (Monday to Friday) in the US and up to 10 business days to Hawaii and Alaska. You can find out more about our delivery times here .

NEED HELP? CONTACT US FOR WORLD CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE

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Over 10,000+ 5-star reviews

Comfortable and very useful. Hated those around the neck pillows and the head bobbing and this erased that. Got some actual sleep on a flight for the first time.

JS Newman (Amazon customer)

Game changer/Best travel pillow

It is so comfortable and I actually fell asleep in the middle seat of the plane! I also used it on a long car ride and it was awesome to help me feel comfortable with my neck supported. Game changer !!

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The best travel pillows to add to your packing list – recommended by Good Housekeeping editors

Sleep like you're on a cloud, in the clouds

The fear of waking up snuggled into the stranger in the next seat can be very real. And don’t even get us started on the neck ache that can strike if you fall asleep in the wrong position. That's if you even manage to drift off in the first place.

Luckily, travel pillows exist to help make hours spent on a plane or train much more comfortable . But how do you know which will actually stop your head from lolling and leave you feeling refreshed?

Enter team Good Housekeeping. These are the travel pillows our frequent flyers love to pack , but keep scrolling for their full reviews below.

Best travel pillows to buy in 2024

Editor's pick

Trtl travel pillow.

Our pick for memory foam

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

Our pick for the middle seat

Travelrest all-in-one ultimate travel pillow.

Our budget pick

Mountain warehouse memory foam travel pillow.

Trekology Inflatable Neck Pillow for Travel

What to consider when picking a travel pillow.

This is obviously the number one criterion for travel pillow shopping. Most are memory foam or inflatable designs – the former will have a bit more give, whereas an inflatable design lets you adjust the firmness a tad. Also, consider breathability if you get hot (memory foam tends to trap body heat).

Portability

Luggage restrictions are getting ever tighter, so try and find one that will pack away small and fit in your carry on bag with ease.

This ties in with support really, but one crucial question to ask is whether the travel pillow you're looking at will work with your headphones – you don’t want the pillow to get in the way of your in-flight entertainment.

Product care

Some have washable covers, helping you keep your travel pillow fresh for adventure after adventure.

How we picked these travel pillows

Our list below has been curated by the GHI homes editor, who regularly writes reviews of luggage and travel essentials, and the travel pillows featured have been tried by our editors here at Good Housekeeping, who all jetted off on their holidays over the spring break.

When they got back, they shared their honest reviews, telling us what they liked (and what they didn’t), so you can find your perfect pillow.

Here are our top buys.

Love Good Housekeeping and want more of our Triple-Tested recipes, home tips, fashion inspiration, essential consumer advice and so much more delivered to your inbox? Sign up to our FREE weekly newsletters, sit back and enjoy!

When we asked the Good Housekeeping team for their favourite travel pillows, this one was the most recommended . So what makes it so great? Deepti Mistry, our SEO manager, found out why.

“I'm a frequent long-haul traveller, and suffer from neck problems, but this travel pillow provided me with comfort and support during my latest 9-hour flight.

Initially, it took a while to get to grips with how to wrap the pillow around, but once I found a comfortable spot, it supported my neck nicely, and I managed to get a few good hours of sleep.

With other travel pillows I've used, I would wake up with a crooked, stiff neck, but this wasn't the case with the Trtl pillow as it provided stability, preventing my head from nodding, which usually causes my neck stiffness during sleep.

It's also portable, very lightweight, has a soft fleece feel, and is compact, so it can fit in your carry-on luggage. It also comes with a handy travel case to keep it clean, which I loved.

Trtl has got its motto right: ‘Loop, Wrap, and Nap – It’s That Easy’. It’s been a game-changer for me and I don’t think I would travel without it now.”

Tested by Amanda Marcantonio, Fashion Director

“At home, I’m not a particularly great sleeper; on a plane I’m even worse. So when I was asked to try the Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow on an 8.5 hour overnight flight, I jumped at the chance – anything that might help me catch a few hours' shut-eye!

I normally pack a very bog-standard travel pillow that I’ve had for years, which usually sits round my neck like a necklace and is not supportive at all.

This couldn’t be more different. Don’t be put off by the instruction booklet – it simply shows how to clip it onto the seat headrest and how to secure the chin strap correctly. The chin strap is the main selling point of this brilliant travel pillow, which is held in place with a velcro tab so it fits any size – it completely stopped the 'nodding dog' head-rolling that happens when you’re trying to sleep sitting upright.

The only downside was that it pushed my headphones upwards. But to be honest, because it worked its magic by helping me sleep on the plane, that didn’t bother me much.

It can be squashed down to a compact size, which is great while in transit, but not for long-term storage (30 days max is recommended). If you’re travelling overnight and need a sturdy but soft travel pillow to help you sleep, look no further.”

Amanda's Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow packed up for scale

Tested by Emma Justice, Good Housekeeping Travel Expert

“I’ve never found a neck pillow that works for me on long-haul flights and hate carrying around those bulky U-shaped ones. So, keen to get some sleep on an overnighter to Boston recently (and assigned the dreaded middle seat), I put this long, thin banana-shaped contraption to the test.

It inflates easily in a few seconds with just two to three blows and is best described as having a soft, friendly shoulder to lay your head on. Its rather odd shape made me giggle but you can adjust its position to go across your body or down one side and the detachable strap it comes with can be looped over the headrest to stop it from slipping. You can also wear the pillow like a guitar or messenger bag (which also attracted strange looks).

It comes in a soft, plush, washable fabric you can snuggle into and provides proper ergonomic support for your head and neck. It deflates quickly, too, and rolls up into a croissant shape for storing in your hand luggage. I’m not sure the person next to me appreciated the cushion occasionally bumping into them (or my snoring!) but then I felt far more rested than usual when I arrived so didn’t really care!”

Tested by Priyankaa Joshi, Senior Health and Wellness Writer

“I tried the Mountain Warehouse Memory Foam Pillow on a 10-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK to St Kitts in the Caribbean. It was my first experience with a travel pillow and I’d say it definitely enhanced my flight. The outer fabric was extremely soft and felt lovely against my skin and I loved the squishy memory foam.

For the first time, I actually managed to get some decent sleep on a flight – my neck felt properly supported and I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.

Coming in at under £20, I think it’s excellent value for money and I’ll most definitely continue to use it on all my flights going forwards.

If I had to think of a downside, it is a little bulky (it seems larger than other travel pillows) but I didn’t find this a problem – I just hooked it onto my rucksack (note, it doesn’t come with a carry case).”

Laura Cohen, head of accreditation at the GHI, swears by her inflatable travel pillow. “It has a removable soft cover and deflates down to nothing, which makes it ideal if you’re tight on luggage space, and don’t want to lug a bigger pillow around with you. It's very affordable, too.”

Note, this isn't Laura's exact pillow (she's had hers for a while) but we've found one with a very similar design.

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows , and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist , working for Stylist , Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

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You Won’t Believe the Sneaky Way I Get 3 Days’ Worth of Extra Clothes Through TSA

It’s the secret packing hack I swear by as a “carry-on only” travel writer.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Although I see nothing wrong with checking a bag every so often, I’ve always viewed it as a personal goal to travel “carry-on only” when I fly. It started when I was a kid, flying on my airline pilot dad’s standby passes. My options then were to carry on my suitcase or risk having a bag end up in a city where I wasn’t. Although my standby status expired the second I married my military pilot husband, I still prefer carrying on , whether I’m flying for work (as a professional travel writer) or for pleasure (when my self-induced challenge intensifies as I pack carry-ons for my two kids as well). 

I’ve learned all the packing hacks over the years; I can roll clothes and stuff socks in shoes with the best of them, and I’m a pro at clipping in extras — like mini coolers and water bottles — with my trusty carabiner collection. (Don’t even get me started on the viral TikTok pillowcase hack that helped us travelers carry more clothes on board.) This is exactly why I bought the Tube Travel Neck Pillow — the multi-use travel pillow you can store up to three days’ worth of clothing in — and wow, did it deliver.

Tube Travel Neck Pillow

Welcome to the sneaky carry-on storage solution that saves you checked bag fees. All you have to do is simply remove the foam insert from the removable cover and replace it with your clothing. Simple but effective, right?

Other neck pillows might be cushier, but they just can’t save you up to $70 worth of checked bag fees for each flight you take them on. I’ve also found it just depends on what you’re stuffing it with — the plusher the clothing (think: sweaters, down jackets) the more comfortable the neck pillow. However, you could also choose to care less about comfort and treat the Tube Travel Neck Pillow as your sole carry-on (especially when traveling on basic economy tickets since there’s no charge for a neck pillow … yet).

Depending on what you’re packing, one single tube can hold enough for three days of clothes. It’s lightweight enough to just toss into your suitcase as a “just-in-case” tool for any trip, like those times your suitcase gets too tight after a few souvenir purchases or as a way of keeping the essentials with you when forced to gate check on full flights.

Everything inside stays secured during travel, and there's no Velcro in the design that would damage clothes. Once loaded, you can bend and twist the pillow into any shape and snap closed to securely fasten around your luggage handle, or just wear it around your neck en route to your flight.

As a mom, I use this sneaky packing trick for storing extra diapers, which, as any traveling parent knows, take up a ridiculous amount of space in a suitcase. I bought the Tube for its versatility as a packing tool and was convinced by its five-star ratings at Amazon for its comfort. 

In the past, the Tube Travel pillow has been so popular that it's sold out at Amazon, but the good news is that if it does, you can get the equally genius Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow to achieve the same hack. Similar to the Tube Travel Neck Pillow, the Dot & Dot Memory Foam Travel Pillow has more than 9,000 five-star ratings at Amazon and plenty of praise from travelers, too.

Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

One Amazon reviewer said they're a carry-on only flier who used the packing hack, removing the Dot & Dot's memory foam and "replacing [it] with clothes that I would pack anyway" — and they said it "worked like a charm." But let's not discount its comfort when used as a neck pillow with the memory foam inside, either. Another reviewer attested that on a 28-hour road trip, this comfortable pillow was "a life-saver" and the "best road trip pillow ever." Imagine how comfy it would be stuffed with their favorite packable puffer or down jacket.

Trust me, the Tube Travel Neck Pillow is the ultimate hack for anyone looking to maximize their carry-on potential … which is literally what I live for as a frequent traveler. Any time a product can serve two purposes, my ears perk up, and, thanks to this dual-purposed neck pillow, they now rest easily in flight as well. And if you're looking for more handy travel accessories to add to your arsenal, keep reading to find more top-rated products available at Amazon.

More Travel Accessories at Amazon

Special made collapsible water bottle, eversnug travel blanket and pillow, basic concepts airplane foot hammock.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $40. 

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Related Articles

Best travel pillows to keep your neck supported and comfy

As a full-time travel journalist who’s been to over 50 countries, I definitely understand the importance of making economy feel like first class with the proper travel gear. In addition to my trusty foot hammock and Manta Sound sleep mask, a comfortable travel pillow that supports my posture is essential to getting a good night's sleep.

“Choosing a travel pillow that gives the proper support for your own needs is very important when trying to sleep while traveling,” agrees Julia Forbes, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. “Finding a supportive travel pillow can make sleeping under circumstances that are not ideal better and help one wake up with fewer aches and pains.”

If you need something for the next long-haul flight, we’ve got you covered! Here are my picks for the best travel pillows on the market.

What to consider when buying travel pillows

When shopping for travel pillows, it’s important to think about the following factors.

Body type and personal preferences

“When looking for a travel pillow, what’s best for you depends on your body type and comfort preferences,” says Forbes . “You should also consider whether you’re looking for something to just rest your head on, or if you want a pillow with more features, such as pockets or the ability to block out light.”

For the most part, you’re probably not going to want a travel pillow that takes up a ton of space in your carry-on or one you have to lug around. “Travel pillows come in all different shapes and sizes, so you should not only choose one that fits your head and neck well, but you should also look for a pillow that does not take up too much space in your luggage,” says Forbes.

Travel distance

For shorter trips, a packable inflatable pillow that breaks down might be best, whereas if you’re traveling on a long-haul flight, you might want something with memory foam. “Travel distance and type of travel are also important to consider,” suggests Forbes. “Some people travel long distances often, and others only sometimes. If you tend to travel more often, it’s more important to find a pillow that can keep your head and neck supported so you can sleep for several hours while traveling.”

Type of travel

Think about the type of travel that you’re doing and what might be best for the situation.

“Some travel pillows are designed for sleeping on planes while others are better for traveling in cars, so it’s also important to consider the type of travel you will be doing,” instructs Forbes. “You should also take note of what the pillow is made of, because public transportation like planes and trains can be filled with germs, so you should try to purchase a pillow that can be easily washed.”

Pay close attention to what the filling is before purchasing your pillow. “Travel pillows also come with various types of fillings,” explains Forbes. “It’s important to set your priorities, such as if you want something that can easily compact for easy packing, the support level, or if you want something with adjustability.”

Consider the features that are important to you. There are pretty basic travel pillows, but there are also specifically made travel pillows to support sleepers who tend to lean forward or to the side or who even need 360-degree support, especially if you’re an aisle seat-lover.

Our top picks for the best travel pillows

Best travel pillow for chin support: j-pillow chin supporting travel pillow.

J-Pillow Travel Pillow - British Invention of The Year Winner - Chin Supporting Travel Pillows for Sleeping Airplane - Flight Pillow Supports Your Head, Neck & Chin (Blue)

If you tend to lean forward when you drift off in a plane, train or car, you need a pillow with good chin support to keep your neck from kinking. The J-Pillow Chin Support Travel Pillow is perfect for this, with its three-way support for your head, neck and chin. This is a great way to avoid stiff necks and get some good sleep. As a bonus, it’s even machine washable.

Specifications:

• Size: 10 inches x 6 inches x 8 inches.
• Type: J-Shape.
• Fill: Polyester.
• Weight: 8.16 ounces.
• Color: Dark blue.
• Price on publish: $47.95.

What we like:

• Provides essential three-way support.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention that it’s not that convenient to walk around with.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

For a neck pillow with good chin support, go for the J-Pillow Chin Support Travel Pillow.

Get it here: J-Pillow Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for neck support: Cabeau Evolution S3

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow Memory Foam Neck Support, Adjustable Clasp, and Seat Strap Attachment - Comfort On-The-Go with Carrying Case for Airplane, Train, and Car (Steel Grey)

This memory foam travel pillow offers essential neck support for sleeping while sitting up, and is even recommended by one of our experts. "My favorite travel pillow is the Cabeau Evolution S3. It has a horseshoe shape like many travel pillows; however, it has raised side cushions that give your head 360-degree support,” explains Forbes. “This support prevents your head from leaning too far, which makes sleeping much more comfortable. It also has headrest straps which keep the pillow in place, so you should not have any problems while you’re sleeping.”

• Size: 10 inches x 9.5 inches x 5 inches.
• Fill: Memory foam.
• Weight: 11.6 ounces.
• Color: Steel.
• Price on publish: $39.99.
• Provides ample neck support.
• Great price.
• Memory foam.
• Some reviews mentioned that wearing headphones with it is a little bit difficult and slightly uncomfortable.

For a travel pillow that offers crucial neck support, the Cabeau Evolution S3 is a great option for your next long-haul flight or road trip.

Get it here: Cabeau Evolution S3

Best travel pillow for long flights: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

When you’re on a long-haul flight, it’s survival mode to stay comfortable, and that starts with good neck support. The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a great solution for whichever way your head tends to lean. Its 360-degree design offers support to your neck and is built to maintain proper posture. It comes in a variety of colors like gray, teal blue, navy blue, black, forest green and deep purple.

• Size: 9.8 inches x 6.7 inches x 2.7 inches.
• Type: Compresses down, 360-degree support.
• Fill: BASF memory foam core.
• Weight: 12 ounces.
• Color: Six.
• Price on publish: $69.
• 360-degree support.
• Several colors available.
• Washable sleeve.
• Some reviews briefly mention that it was a little short for them, so pay close attention to the measurements.

For a stylish, colorful pillow filled with quality memory foam and a 360-degree design to support your neck during long flights, choose the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow.

Get it here: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best inflatable travel pillow: FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow

FLOWZOOM AIR Inflatable Travel Pillow - Hooded Neck Pillow Airplane - Travel Neck Pillow - Car & Plane Pillow - Airplane Pillow for Long Flight - Inflatable Neck Pillow for Traveling on Plane - Black

Inflatable travel pillows are a great space saver and perfect for adjusting the firmness. You don’t have to worry about hanging on to anything clunky; you can just inflate it when you’re ready to fall asleep. This FlowZoom model is a solid option when it comes to inflatable travel pillows, and you can adjust it to the amount of support you need.

• Size: 11.5 inches x 8.78 inches x 2 inches.
• Type: Semicircular.
• Fill: Inflatable.
• Weight: 15.2 ounces.
• Color: Black.
• Price on publish: $31.95.
• Inexpensive.
• Adjustable and inflatable.
• Some reviews mention that because this travel pillow has a hood connected to it, it could potentially make it a little too warm.

For an inflatable option that you can store in your bag until you need it, go with the FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow.

Get it here: FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for car trips: Huzi Infinity Pillow

Huzi Infinity Pillow - Travel Neck Pillow - Versatile Soft 360 Support Scarf - Machine Washable - Home Travel Flight Road Trips (Grey)

For long-haul car rides, add the Huzi Infinity Pillow to your list of road trip essentials. It has 360-degree support and will keep you rested for when it’s your turn to drive (that is, unless you’re a permanent passenger). It’s bendable and versatile and can adjust to your body and various sleep positions.

• Size: 10 inches x 6.5 inches x 6.5 inches.
• Type: 360-degree support.
• Fill: 60% nylon, 40% rayon made from bamboo.
• Weight: 1 pound.
• Color: 8 colors.
• Price on publish: $49.99.
• Adjustable.
• Available in many colors.
• Be careful when washing it because some reviews mention some pilling after.

For a versatile option that’s good for long car rides, go with the Huzi Infinity Pillow.

Get it here: Huzi Infinity Pillow

Best lightweight travel pillow: TRTL Travel Pillow

trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow - Real Sleeping Experience on Long Flights - Neck and Shoulder Support - Super-Soft, Lightweight, Easy-to-Carry, and Machine-Washable Flight Pillow - Black

Some neck pillows can feel kind of suffocating, being big, bulky and even a little tight. The Trtl Travel Pillow is thin and secure, doing its job to keep your neck in a good position and support your head while you try to get some rest. It’s lightweight at just 4.5 ounces and easy to stuff in your tote bag.

• Size: 7 inches x 7 inches x 3.5 inches.
• Type: Fleece.
• Weight: 4.5 ounces.
• Color: Black, black/gray, coral, gray and red.
• Price on publish: $64.99.
• Lightweight.
• Machine washable.
• Supportive.
• Some reviews say that you have to wrap it pretty tight to get the support you need.
• A little pricey.

If you’re looking for a highly-rated neck pillow that will support you while you’re trying to get some shut-eye, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a great option.

Get it here: TRTL Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for lumbar support: Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow

Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow - Patented Ergonomic Multi-Region Firm Back Support for Lower Back Pain Relief - Lumbar Support Cushion w/Strap for Office Chair, Car, Sofa - Wellness Green

When it comes to travel pillows, it’s not all about the neck support: Some people sleep just fine and don’t even need a pillow for their neck, but their back might be another story. Specifically designed to relieve back pain, the Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow is built to relieve pressure in the lower back and can travel around the world with you. It’s made with comfortable Hyperfoam so that it supports your natural posture while remaining comfy.

• Size: 16 inches x 16 inches x 4.5 inches.
• Type: Firm.
• Weight: 1.37 pounds.
• Color: Wellness green.
• Price on publish: $65.99.
• Provides back support.
• Some reviews mention that it might be a bit too big for people who are shorter.

If you’re looking for essential back support as you travel, the Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow can relieve pressure on your lower back and help you have a more comfortable travel day.

Get it here: Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow

Best compact travel pillow: Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow, Peanut-Shaped Lumbar Pillow for Neck and Back Pressure Relief, Navy

If you tend to overpack as it is, the last thing you want to do is drag around another bulky item. Looking for a compact option that can fit nicely within your carry-on luggage while still providing the support you need with less of the hassle is essential. The Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow can help you feel comforted on those long-haul travel days.

• Size: 11.5 inches x 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches.
• Type: Peanut shape.
• Weight: 8 ounces.
• Color: Navy.
• Small, compact option.
• Some of the reviews mention that it’s firmer than they thought it would be, so just keep that in mind when purchasing.

For a firm travel pillow that will keep you comforted on the go, choose the Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow.

Get it here: Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for kids: TRTL Pillow Junior

TRTL Pillow Junior

Making sure your kids are comfortable and well-rested can make for a much easier travel day for you, as well. The highly rated TRTL pillow comes in a junior version for little kids aged 8 and up. The TRTL Pillow Junior is not too clunky, and weighs under 4 ounces, offering crucial support to their neck, regardless of which way they fall asleep.

• Size: Not listed.
• Type: Wrap.
• Weight: Less than 4 ounces.
• Color: Zebra, aqua and camo.
• Comes in fun patterns and colors.
• A little pricey for something they may grow out of before too long.

If you’re looking for a travel pillow to make your kid’s travel day as comfortable as can be, the TRTL Pillow Junior is a great option.

Get it here: TRTL Pillow Junior

Best silk travel pillow: THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow

THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow with Real Silk Cover 100% Memory Foam Filled, Adjustable Comfortable Travel Pillows with Storage Bag, Relief Back and Neck Pain in Travel - Grey

If you like the feel of a silk neck pillow, the THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow is the ideal pillow to take on your next trip. It provides the support you need to get hours of relaxation on the go and is built to help you avoid any neck pain. It’s portable, lightweight and breathable, offering you a comfortable rest on the go.

• Size: 10.5 inches x 10 inches x 7 inches.
• Type: Adjustable, square shape.
• Weight: 14 ounces.
• Color: Black, charcoal, pink and gray.
• Price on publish: $32.99.
• Comes in multiple colors.
• Some reviews mentioned that it was softer than they expected it to be.

If you’re looking for a silk neck pillow to cozy up with on your next trip, go with the THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow.

Get it here: THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow

Best memory foam travel pillow: Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support - Neck Pillows for Sleeping Travel Airplane for Side, Stomach and Back Sleepers - Adjustable, Bendable Roll Pillow

There are quite a few amazing memory foam pillows on the market, but this Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is easily one of the best. Its twistable, foldable design provides support to your back, shoulders, head and spine to keep you comfortable during your travels. It has a machine-washable cotton cover, making it easy to wash the germs from planes off of your pillow and get it ready for your next trip.

• Size: 26 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.8 inches.
• Type: Adjustable and bendable.
• Fill: Cotton and memory foam.
• Color: Gray, green, pink and purple.
• Price on publish: $24.99.
• Adjustable and bendable.
• Some reviews say that the pillow is a little bit bulky around the neck.

If you’re looking for a pillow that you can twist and mold to your body while getting the support that you need, the Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the ideal option.

Get it here: Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for side sleepers: TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow

TRAVELREST Ultimate Travel, Neck & Body Pillow - Strap to Plane & Car Seat - Compact, Comfort and Convenient for Office Napping, Airplane, Bus & Train - Upright Sleeping - Rolls Up Small - Blue

If you tend to lean to the side when you fall asleep on the plane or sitting up in a car, the TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow folds up nicely and packs in your carry-on while providing a lot of support with its unique design. You can deflate the pillow when you’re done using it, roll it up and store it back in your bag for easy navigation through the airport.

• Size: 10 inches x 3 inches (rolled up).
• Type: Across the body.
• Weight: 5.5 ounces.
• Color: Blue, gray, navy and red.
• Price on publish: $29.99.
• Inflatable and adjustable.
• Multiple colors are available.
• Some reviews mention that it doesn’t provide as strong support as other tighter, wrap-around neck pillows do.

The AP Buyline Takeaway:

If you’re looking for a good side sleeper pillow, the TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow is the ideal travel companion.

Get it here: TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow

How we selected the best travel pillows

I am a full-time travel journalist and have tried out quite a few travel pillows to make my long-haul flights more comfortable. In addition to my experience, I also spoke with experts like Dr. April Spencer , owner and chief operating surgeon at Dr. Spencer’s Global Breast Health & Wellness Center and Julia Forbes , a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor, to come up with the best topics to consider when choosing a travel pillow that supports your posture and neck.

One of the most important aspects is that it provides the proper amount of support to your neck and the rest of your body. “Opt for pillows that offer adequate neck and head support, especially if you're prone to neck, shoulder or back pain,” says Spencer.

Before purchasing a pillow, be sure to look at the filling. “Choose a pillow made from comfortable materials, such as memory foam or soft fabric,” says Spencer.

Portability

Of course, as a travel product, you’ll want to make sure it’s nice and portable, not big and clunky. “Pick a pillow that is lightweight and easy to pack, preferably one that compresses or folds down for storage,” says Spencer.

Adjustability

Getting a pillow that adjusts a bit can help you find the right comfort level and firmness that match your preferences. “Consider pillows with adjustable features to customize the fit to your unique neck and body shape,” says Spencer.

When you invest in a travel pillow, you want it to last, especially because some are a bit pricier than you’d expect. “Look for pillows made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, ideally those that can withstand frequent washing and usage,” advises Spencer.

What types of travel pillows are available?

There are a wide variety of adjustable, firm, memory foam travel pillows on the market. You just have to think about your personal needs and preferences before looking for the one that’s best for you.

How to maintain and clean travel pillows

Some travel pillows might need to be spot-cleaned, while others have a protective sleeve that can go right into the wash. It all depends on the individual product, so be sure to read the instructions to see the proper way to clean the travel pillow you choose.

Best travel pillow shopping tips

When you’re shopping for the right travel pillow, Spencer recommends avoiding the following:

Too bulky or heavy

You don’t want to go with anything that’s too bulky because it might actually put stress on your neck or shoulders. “Large pillows can be cumbersome to carry and may not fit well in your travel bag,” says Spencer.

Lack support

It’s extremely important to have the proper support for your posture. “Pillows that are too soft or flimsy may not provide adequate support for your neck and head,” says Spencer.

Uncomfortable materials

Stay away from any materials that might cause you discomfort. “Avoid pillows made from scratchy or uncomfortable materials that may irritate your skin during use,” Spencer instructs.

Difficult to clean

When you travel on planes, trains and in cars with your travel pillow, you want something that’s easy to clean because it’s obviously going to be exposed to plenty of dirt and germs. Try to “choose pillows with removable and washable covers for easy cleaning, avoiding those with fabrics that are hard to clean or maintain,” says Spencer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft pillow for neck pain.

According to OrthoUnited , when you’re choosing between a firm or soft pillow for the best travel pillow or the best pillow for neck pain , you’ll want to consider your sleep position. Side sleepers might want something firm to keep their head and neck supported, while stomach sleepers may want something on the softer side.

Which travel pillow is better: inflatable or foam?

It all really depends on your preference and what support you need. However, Spencer says that “memory foam pillows tend to offer the best support and comfort for travel.” She adds that “it's essential to choose one that provides proper support to prevent neck strain and ensure a comfortable journey, especially during long trips. Improper neck support can lead to discomfort, stiffness and even pain, which can negatively affect your travel experience.”

Related article: How to wash pillows (and how often you should wash them)

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